2017–18: Narrow Margins, Same Column — 2017–18: Narrow Margins, Same Column

Several prominent losses in this stretch were decided by slim margins, including one-point defeats to Ohio State in consecutive seasons. Close games can demonstrate competitiveness, but the record properly leaves them as losses.

A second analytic view could study win probability, scoring margin, or late-game possessions; none should be smuggled into a simple 4–21 headline as if they altered the outcome.