Worth the replay?

Saturday, October 25'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
    TexasatMississippi St
    CFB· SEC NetworkOvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    A
    83/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 100 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 83

  2. #2
    South FloridaatMemphis
    CFB· ESPN2Down to the wireBig comeback
    A
    77/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 93 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 77

  3. #3
    AlabamaatSouth Carolina
    CFB· ABCDown to the wire
    B+
    73/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  4. #4
    Ole MissatOklahoma
    CFB· ABCBack and forth
    B+
    71/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 72 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 71

  5. #5
    UConnatRice
    CFB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  6. #6
    MissouriatVanderbilt
    CFB· ESPNDown to the wire
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 69 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 68

  7. #7
    SMUatWake Forest
    CFB· CWDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    67/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 95 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 67

  8. #8
    VirginiaatNorth Carolina
    CFB· ACC NetworkOvertimeDown to the wire
    B+
    66/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 80 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 66

  9. #9
    RutgersatPurdue
    CFB· BTNDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 92 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 64

  10. #10
    W MichiganatMiami OH
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    61/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late13/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 87 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 61

  11. #11
    Bowling GreenatKent State
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    60/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback19/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 86 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 60

  12. #12
    AuburnatArkansas
    CFB· SEC NetworkBig comeback
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 84 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 59

  13. #13
    TempleatTulsa
    CFB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

    Drama 82 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 58

  14. #14
    NorthwesternatNebraska
    CFB· FS1Down to the wire
    C
    43/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 61 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 43

  15. #15
    AkronatBuffalo
    CFB· ESPN+Big comebackBack and forth
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension17/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 56 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 39

  16. #16
    LouisianaatTroy
    CFB· ESPN+Back and forth
    C
    37/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late6/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 54 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 37

  17. #17
    BYUatIowa State
    CFB· FoxBig comeback
    C
    36/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 44 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 36

  18. #18
    GA SouthernatArkansas St
    CFB· ESPN+
    D
    34/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension14/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late1/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 48 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 34

  19. #19
    Texas A&MatLSU
    CFB· ABC
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 30 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 29

  20. #20
    HoustonatArizona St
    CFB· ESPN2
    D
    23/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 28 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 23

  21. #21
    OhioatE Michigan
    CFB· CBSSN
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension12/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 32 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 22

  22. #22
    Kansas StatKansas
    CFB· TNT/HBO Max
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  23. #23
    N Dakota StatS Dakota St
    CFB· ESPNU
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  24. #24
    Boston CollegeatLouisville
    CFB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 20 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 17

  25. #25
    IllinoisatWashington
    CFB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 20 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 17

  26. #26
    Ball StateatN Illinois
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    14/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  27. #27
    ToledoatWashington St
    CFB· CWOne-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 17 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 12

  28. #28
    BayloratCincinnati
    CFB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 13 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 10

  29. #29
    TCUatWest Virginia
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  30. #30
    UMassatC Michigan
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 10 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 7

  31. #31
    NC StateatPitt
    CFB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 10 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 7

  32. #32
    App StateatOld Dominion
    CFB· ESPNUOne-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  33. #33
    Utah StateatNew Mexico
    CFBOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  34. #34
    FAUatNavy
    CFB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  35. #35
    Colorado StatWyoming
    CFB· CBSSNOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  36. #36
    SyracuseatGeorgia Tech
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ 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) = 4

  37. #37
    UL MonroeatSouthern Miss
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  38. #38
    San Diego StatFresno St
    CFB· FS1One-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  39. #39
    MichiganatMichigan St
    CFB· NBCOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 4

  40. #40
    StanfordatMiami
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 5 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 4

  41. #41
    TennesseeatKentucky
    CFB· SEC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  42. #42
    MinnesotaatIowa
    CFB· CBSOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  43. #43
    ColoradoatUtah
    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 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 2

  44. #44
    WisconsinatOregon
    CFB· FS1One-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

  45. #45
    UCLAatIndiana
    CFB· FoxOne-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
    Oklahoma StatTexas Tech
    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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