Ten wins. Rivalry joy is powerful, but twelve Saturdays of competence beats one glorious afternoon.
Here is the uncomfortable scenario: your team finishes 6-6, looks ordinary most of the year, but ruins an undefeated rival's playoff run in the finale. Alternatively, you go 10-2, lose the rivalry game badly, and reach a respectable bowl. I know the rational answer is ten wins. I also know ruining their perfect season would fuel me for a decade. Which result are you taking?
