Worth the replay?

Saturday, August 30's games ranked by how good they turned out to be: late drama, comebacks, lead swaps and overtime. No scores, no winners, so you can decide what to watch without spoilers.

Best games of the season →
  1. #1
    North DakotaatKansas St
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    82/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 100 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 82

  2. #2
    LSUatClemson
    CFB· ABC
    B+
    74/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension26/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 76 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 74

  3. #3
    MerrimackatKent State
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 80 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 56

  4. #4
    RiceatLouisiana
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 77 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 54

  5. #5
    Holy CrossatN Illinois
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 76 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 53

  6. #6
    IdahoatWashington St
    CFB· CWDown to the wire
    C+
    51/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 73 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 51

  7. #7
    AlabamaatFlorida St
    CFB· ABCBig comeback
    C+
    47/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 57 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 47

  8. #8
    NichollsatTroy
    CFB· ESPN+
    C
    42/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 59 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 42

  9. #9
    TexasatOhio State
    CFB· Fox
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 27 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 26

  10. #10
    GA SouthernatFresno St
    CFB· FS1Back and forth
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 32 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 23

  11. #11
    TempleatUMass
    CFB· ESPN+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 29 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 20

  12. #12
    MaineatLiberty
    CFB· ESPN+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 28 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 20

  13. #13
    Austin PeayatMTSU
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 22 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 15

  14. #14
    Colorado StatWashington
    CFB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 21 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 14

  15. #15
    UTEPatUtah State
    CFB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 19 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 13

  16. #16
    SE MissouriatArkansas St
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 16 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 11

  17. #17
    Old DominionatIndiana
    CFB· FS1One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 12 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 10

  18. #18
    Mississippi StatSouthern Miss
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 14 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 10

  19. #19
    FAUatMaryland
    CFB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 14 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 10

  20. #20
    UtahatUCLA
    CFB· FoxOne-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 13 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 9

  21. #21
    SE LouisianaatLouisiana Tech
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 11 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 8

  22. #22
    BryantatNew Mexico St
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 6

  23. #23
    Abilene ChrstnatTulsa
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 6

  24. #24
    CoastalatVirginia
    CFB· ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 5

  25. #25
    CaliforniaatOregon St
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 7 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 5

  26. #26
    Sacramento StatS Dakota St
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 6 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 4

  27. #27
    Morgan StatSouth Alabama
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 4

  28. #28
    C ConnecticutatUConn
    CFBOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 4

  29. #29
    UAlbanyatIowa
    CFB· FS1One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 4

  30. #30
    ToledoatKentucky
    CFB· SEC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 4 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 3

  31. #31
    NorthwesternatTulane
    CFB· ESPNUOne-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 4 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 3

  32. #32
    E MichiganatTexas St
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 4 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 3

  33. #33
    Ball StateatPurdue
    CFB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 4 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 2

  34. #34
    E Texas A&MatSMU
    CFB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 2

  35. #35
    South DakotaatIowa State
    CFB· FoxOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 2

  36. #36
    UTSAatTexas A&M
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 2 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 2

  37. #37
    E KentuckyatLouisville
    CFB· ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 2

  38. #38
    Alabama A&MatArkansas
    CFB· SEC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 2

  39. #39
    Missouri StatUSC
    CFB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 3 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 2

  40. #40
    Hawai'iatArizona
    CFB· TNT/HBO MaxOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 2 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 2

  41. #41
    New MexicoatMichigan
    CFB· NBC/PeacockOne-sided
    D
    1/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 1 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 1

  42. #42
    SyracuseatTennessee
    CFB· ABCOne-sided
    D
    1/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 1 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 1

  43. #43
    N ArizonaatArizona St
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 0

  44. #44
    NevadaatPenn State
    CFB· CBS/Paramount+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 0

  45. #45
    MarshallatGeorgia
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 0

  46. #46
    Montana StatOregon
    CFB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 0

  47. #47
    Long IslandatFlorida
    CFB· ESPN+/SECN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 0

  48. #48
    Illinois StatOklahoma
    CFB· ESPN+/SECN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 0

  49. #49
    Georgia StatOle Miss
    CFB· SEC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 0

  50. #50
    AR-Pine BluffatTexas Tech
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 0

  51. #51
    DuquesneatPitt
    CFB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  52. #52
    VMIatNavy
    CFB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  53. #53
    N Dakota StatThe Citadel
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  54. #54
    FordhamatBoston College
    CFB· ESPN+/ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  55. #55
    Robert MorrisatWest Virginia
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  56. #56
    BucknellatAir Force
    CFB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  57. #57
    ChattanoogaatMemphis
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  58. #58
    Weber StatJames Madison
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  59. #59
    Charleston SoatVanderbilt
    CFB· ESPN+/SECN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  60. #60
    North AlabamaatWestern KY
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    0/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 0 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

Ranked from each game's win probability as it was played (ESPN's for football and basketball; ours, from the goals, for hockey): how in doubt it was near the end, how far the winner came back from, how late it was decided, how big its momentum swings were and how often a team erased a deficit, with a bonus for overtime. That drama is then weighted by how good a matchup it was going in (its pre-game Watchability score), so a thriller between top teams ranks above an equally wild game between minor ones.

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