Worth the replay?

Saturday, October 18'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
    Texas TechatArizona St
    CFB· FoxDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    82/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 99 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 82

  2. #2
    Ole MissatGeorgia
    CFB· ABCBack and forth
    A
    82/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 84 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 82

  3. #3
    MissouriatAuburn
    CFB· SEC NetworkOvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    A
    79/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 96 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 79

  4. #4
    MemphisatUAB
    CFB· ESPN2Down to the wireBig comeback
    A
    76/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 92 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 76

  5. #5
    Washington StatVirginia
    CFB· CWDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 89 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 73

  6. #6
    Texas StatMarshall
    CFB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 100 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 70

  7. #7
    TexasatKentucky
    CFB· ESPNOvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 82 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 68

  8. #8
    BuffaloatUMass
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B
    65/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 92 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 65

  9. #9
    UtahatBYU
    CFB· Fox
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension25/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 67 × pre-game weight 0.95 (pre-game Watchability 90, estimated) = 63

  10. #10
    MarylandatUCLA
    CFB· FS1Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 90 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 63

  11. #11
    ArmyatTulane
    CFB· ESPNUDown to the wire
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 89 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 62

  12. #12
    Penn StateatIowa
    CFB· PeacockDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 89 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 62

  13. #13
    N ColoradoatSacramento St
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 88 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 62

  14. #14
    Georgia TechatDuke
    CFB· ESPN
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension26/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 70 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 58

  15. #15
    ArizonaatHouston
    CFB· FS1Down to the wire
    B
    57/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 81 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 57

  16. #16
    CoastalatApp State
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 81 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 56

  17. #17
    Florida StatStanford
    CFB· ESPNDown to the wire
    B
    55/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 79 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 55

  18. #18
    WyomingatAir Force
    CFB· CBSSNDown to the wireBack and forth
    C+
    54/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 78 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 54

  19. #19
    Mississippi StatFlorida
    CFB· SEC NetworkDown to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 74 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 52

  20. #20
    NevadaatNew Mexico
    CFB· FS1Down to the wire
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 58 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 40

  21. #21
    Hawai'iatColorado St
    CFB
    C
    40/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension22/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 57 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 40

  22. #22
    AkronatBall State
    CFB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension23/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 55 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 38

  23. #23
    UConnatBoston College
    CFB· ACC NetworkBack and forth
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension24/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 55 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 38

  24. #24
    USCatNotre Dame
    CFB· NBC/PeacockBack and forth
    C
    38/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late3/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 40 × pre-game weight 0.95 (pre-game Watchability 90, estimated) = 38

  25. #25
    SMUatClemson
    CFB· ACC Network
    C
    35/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension22/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 50 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 35

  26. #26
    LSUatVanderbilt
    CFB· ABC
    D
    33/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 34 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 33

  27. #27
    Old DominionatJames Madison
    CFB· ESPNUBack and forth
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 41 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 29

  28. #28
    Texas A&MatArkansas
    CFB· ESPNEWS
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 32 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 26

  29. #29
    Georgia StatGA Southern
    CFB· ESPN+Back and forth
    D
    26/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late1/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 37 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 26

  30. #30
    Southern MissatLouisiana
    CFB· ESPN+
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 35 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 25

  31. #31
    C MichiganatBowling Green
    CFB· CBSSN
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  32. #32
    N Dakota StatIndiana St
    CFB· ESPN+
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 26 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 18

  33. #33
    BayloratTCU
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 23 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 16

  34. #34
    TennesseeatAlabama
    CFB· ABCOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 16 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 16

  35. #35
    PittatSyracuse
    CFB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    15/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 21 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 15

  36. #36
    UTSAatNorth Texas
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback4/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 20 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 14

  37. #37
    WashingtonatMichigan
    CFB· FoxOne-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 18 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 13

  38. #38
    LafayetteatOregon St
    CFB· CWOne-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 18 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 12

  39. #39
    OklahomaatSouth Carolina
    CFB· SEC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 14 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 11

  40. #40
    CincinnatiatOklahoma St
    CFB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 11 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 9

  41. #41
    TroyatUL Monroe
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 12 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 9

  42. #42
    Michigan StatIndiana
    CFB· PeacockOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 10 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 8

  43. #43
    E MichiganatMiami OH
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 9 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 6

  44. #44
    UNLVatBoise St
    CFB· FS1One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 9 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 6

  45. #45
    Kent StateatToledo
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  46. #46
    TempleatCharlotte
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  47. #47
    West VirginiaatUCF
    CFB· TNT/HBO MaxOne-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

  48. #48
    OregonatRutgers
    CFB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 5

  49. #49
    N IllinoisatOhio
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  50. #50
    PurdueatNorthwestern
    CFB· BTNOne-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

  51. #51
    Ohio StateatWisconsin
    CFB· CBSOne-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

  52. #52
    FAUatSouth Florida
    CFB· ESPNUOne-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

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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