University of Cincinnati football coach Luke Fickell opened his weekly session with media members with what felt like the biggest exhale of his coaching career.
"Well, I'm glad that week's over," he said.
Fickell and the No. 2-ranked (Associated Press/USA Today Coaches polls) Bearcats (7-0, 3-0 American Athletic Conference) passed their toughest test of the season on Saturday with a 27-20 win at Navy (1-6, 1-4 AAC). It was the first time this season Cincinnati didn't win by double digits.
[ Recap:No. 2/3 UC Bearcats get first win on road against Navy Midshipmen ]
[ Analysis:A tough win still beats a bad loss, as the Bearcats continue chase for trophies ]
"All in all, no matter what, on both sides of the ball, you do find out a lot about yourself after a game with an academy, especially the Naval Academy," Fickell said.