I wouldn't give you even money in @MD or @Iowa, but I'd certainly take even money that we lose at least one of those games.
To me, a "top 10" team would have something like a 30% chance of getting 8 or more wins with our remaining schedule. A "top 25" (but not top 10) team would have more like a 20% chance.
Sure, it's a reasonable outcome in both cases, but if it happens it's quite a bit of evidence that we're legitimately "top 10". Beyond that it just comes down to your standard for "proof".
Edit: I also think that the margin in those 10 games will be hugely telling. If we go 8-2 with two blowout Ls and 5 squeaker wins, that's way different than 8 solid wins and 2 close Ls.