I'm way overthinking this, but an argument as a Michigan fan that I'll use to become Devil's Advocate. Michigan is good every year. 10-2 means nothing to a Michigan fan (or at least pre-RRod). Michigan fans want to win National Championships, and most likely 10-2 isn't going to cut it. So in the minds of a lot of fans 10-2 is pointless unless we beat our rivals. If we go 10-2 and lost to OSU and MSU, Michigan fans hear about it all winter. Sure we'll enjoy our Capital One Bowl, but it will feel hollow. Who cares if you win the Capital One Bowl? So if we aren't going to win the title, or even a Big 10 championship (not too likely at 6-2 especially with 1 of those losses to a team thats most likely going to be at the top of the standings), what's the point? So, I'd rather personally be 10-2 because I hate losing, but its an argument that can be made for Michigan fans. If you are like an Indiana fan, I can see why 10-2 would easily be MUCH more preferable, but for a team with higher aspirations and arguably bigger rivalries, there's at least an argument that can be made.