Worth the replay?

Saturday, September 12'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
    Ohio StateatTexas
    CFB· ABCDown to the wireBig comeback
    A+
    89/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 91 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 89

  2. #2
    Wake ForestatPurdue
    CFB· FS1OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    Jax StateatOhio
    CFB· ESPN+OvertimeDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10
    Overtime+8

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

  4. #4
    OregonatOklahoma St
    CFB· ESPNEWS/Disney+Down to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 83 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 68

  5. #5
    UTSAatTexas St
    CFB· CWDown to the wireBack and forth
    B
    64/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  6. #6
    South FloridaatArmy
    CFB· CBSSNBig comebackBack and forth
    B
    63/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  7. #7
    CaliforniaatSyracuse
    CFB· ACC NetworkDown to the wireBig comeback
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  8. #8
    Gardner-WebbatLiberty
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 83 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 58

  9. #9
    South AlabamaatTulane
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  10. #10
    DukeatIllinois
    CFB· FS1Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  11. #11
    MTSUatMarshall
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late10/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  12. #12
    Illinois StatN Illinois
    CFB· MW+Down to the wire
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  13. #13
    ColgateatC Michigan
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  14. #14
    N ColoradoatWyoming
    CFB· MW+
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback9/20
    Decided late12/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 75 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 52

  15. #15
    Texas TechatOregon St
    CFB· CBSBack and forth
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late9/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 52

  16. #16
    Iowa StateatIowa
    CFB· NBCDown to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 52

  17. #17
    Utah StateatWashington
    CFB· BTNDown to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 52

  18. #18
    OklahomaatMichigan
    CFB· FoxDown to the wire
    C+
    52/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 52

  19. #19
    TulsaatSam Houston
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback1/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 69 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 48

  20. #20
    CampbellatFlorida
    CFB· SECN+Big comeback
    C
    44/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 63 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 44

  21. #21
    UL MonroeatUAB
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C
    43/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 62 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 43

  22. #22
    ArizonaatBYU
    CFB· FoxBack and forth
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension22/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 47 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 39

  23. #23
    MemphisatBoise St
    CFB· USA NetBack and forth
    D
    29/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  24. #24
    WoffordatKent State
    CFB· ESPN+Back and forth
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 36 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 25

  25. #25
    App StateatEast Carolina
    CFB· ESPNU
    D
    24/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings15/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 34 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 24

  26. #26
    NavyatFAU
    CFB· ESPNUBig comeback
    D
    22/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback14/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  27. #27
    Cal PolyatSan José St
    CFB· MW+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  28. #28
    New Mexico StatHawai'i
    CFB· MW+
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  29. #29
    Georgia StatKennesaw St
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback11/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 24 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 17

  30. #30
    AlabamaatKentucky
    CFB· ABC/Disney+One-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 16 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 13

  31. #31
    San Diego StatUCLA
    CFB· BTNOne-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension10/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  32. #32
    UNLVatNorth Texas
    CFB· ESPNUOne-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  33. #33
    Montana StatNevada
    CFB· CWOne-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  34. #34
    UCFatPitt
    CFB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension13/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  35. #35
    TennesseeatGeorgia Tech
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension1/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 13 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 11

  36. #36
    DelawareatVanderbilt
    CFB· SEC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 15 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 10

  37. #37
    BuffaloatFIU
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    9/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  38. #38
    LouisianaatUSC
    CFB· BTNBack and forthOne-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  39. #39
    MarylandatUConn
    CFB· CBSSNOne-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

  40. #40
    Arizona StatTexas A&M
    CFB· ABCOne-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 9 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 7

  41. #41
    Penn StateatTemple
    CFB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 6

  42. #42
    C ConnecticutatToledo
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 5

  43. #43
    Texas SouthernatUTEP
    CFB· MW+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

    Drama 8 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 5

  44. #44
    N Dakota StatAir Force
    CFB· FS1One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  45. #45
    ArkansasatUtah
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings4/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 6 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 5

  46. #46
    Mississippi StatMinnesota
    CFB· CBSOne-sided
    D
    4/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  47. #47
    Sacramento StatFresno St
    CFB· CBSSNOne-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 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 4

  48. #48
    Alabama StatTroy
    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

  49. #49
    Prairie ViewatBaylor
    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

  50. #50
    GA SouthernatClemson
    CFB· ACC NetworkOne-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  51. #51
    Robert MorrisatAkron
    CFB· ESPN+One-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

  52. #52
    MercyhurstatNew Mexico
    CFB· MW+One-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

  53. #53
    W CarolinaatCincinnati
    CFB· ESPN+One-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

  54. #54
    FordhamatCoastal
    CFB· ESPN+One-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

  55. #55
    Stony BrookatBall State
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    2/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  56. #56
    Southern UtahatColorado St
    CFB· CBSSNOne-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

  57. #57
    Western KYatGeorgia
    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

  58. #58
    RiceatNotre Dame
    CFB· NBCOne-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

  59. #59
    HowardatIndiana
    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

  60. #60
    Louisiana TechatLSU
    CFB· 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

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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