Luke Fickell and Marcus Freeman have a relationship that spans nearly two decades.
The two have grown together, with Fickell serving as a mentor and father figure to Freeman. Their respective kids, all 12 of them, are close and have gone on vacations together. Their wives are close. Their bond is real.
None of that will matter on Saturday.
Fickell and the No. 7/8-ranked (Associated Press/Coaches polls) University of Cincinnati football team (3-0) will travel to South Bend, Indiana, to face Freeman and No. 9/7-ranked Notre Dame (4-0).
The two won't be scheduling any dinners or get-togethers before or after the top-10 clash.