I love how everyone acts like "10 wins" means something today like it did in the seventies when that phrase was used. After adding 2 extra cupcake games, 10 wins today
10-1 meant something.
10-4 doesnt mean shyt.
10 wins today is 8-4 from the old days.
How does one even get a 10-4 record?
n/m I suppose, but how often do you play in your conference championship game with a 10-2 record, lose that, then lose the bowl game.
Math never was your thing.
From Wikipedia
Etymology: 10-Win Season
In the days of 11 game seasons and before conference championship games the phrase "10-Win Season" would refer to the
regular season and then "and a bowl win" might be added. Post season records were usually a separate topic.In the era of 12 game seasons, conference championships, and playoffs the term still refers to the regular season in proper usage. The regular season is used as the basis as it is the common denominator among all teams regardless if they appear in a conference championship game, playoff game or bowl.
Controversy:
It has been noted that a 10-Win Season in a 11 game regular season is not the same winning percentage as a 10-Win Season in a 12 game regular season. This is an issue when comparing records before and after the switch to the 12 game season. Most intelligent, well adjusted individuals, understand the difference however others feel the need to point out the difference at every turn.
Mathematics:
10/11 = .909
8/12 = .667
9/12 = .75
10/12 = .833
11/12 = .917
Proposal Solutions:
Some have suggested that switching to the term "One-Loss Season" might alleviate the discrepancy however that phrase has not garnered much favor. The other solutions, of course, is to refer to winning % however that is a solution only mathematicians could love. Mathematically (see above) a modern day "11-Win Season" is most equivalent to the pre-modern day "10-Win Season". This logically follows because the significance of the phrase is that there was only one loss. Unfortunately, usage being a persistent mistress, it is unlikely to change and those with a brain in their skull will understand the implied asterisk in the comparisons and those who don't will argue incessantly.