The University of Cincinnati football team will open the 2021 season either in or close to the top 10 in every major ranking. But Luke Fickell, who is entering his fifth season as Bearcats head coach, isn't interested in having a top-10 team, he's looking to build a top-10 program.
The difference between the two is clear. It's sustained success, not fleeting highs. It's a palpable expectation to be excellent, not a fading feeling of greatness. It's a winning culture, every single day.
Back-to-back 11-win seasons topped with bowl victories, followed by an 8-0 regular season, a conference championship and a New Year's Six Bowl berth is a good start.