Worth the replay?

Saturday, September 19'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
    LSUatOle Miss
    CFB· ABCDown to the wire
    A
    77/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings24/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 79 × pre-game weight 0.97 (pre-game Watchability 95, estimated) = 77

  2. #2
    TempleatToledo
    CFB· CBSSNOvertimeDown to the wireBig comebackBack and forth
    B+
    70/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth10/10
    Overtime+8

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

  3. #3
    NC StateatVanderbilt
    CFB· SEC NetworkDown to the wireBig comeback
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback20/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 97 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 68

  4. #4
    SMUatLouisville
    CFB· ESPN2Down to the wireBack and forth
    B+
    68/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late7/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 71 × pre-game weight 0.95 (pre-game Watchability 90, estimated) = 68

  5. #5
    Miami OHatCincinnati
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    62/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings25/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  6. #6
    East CarolinaatOld Dominion
    CFB· ESPN+Back and forth
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension28/30
    Swings23/25
    Comeback12/20
    Decided late11/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 85 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 59

  7. #7
    GA SouthernatJax State
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    59/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings22/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  8. #8
    North CarolinaatClemson
    CFB· ESPNEWS/Disney+Down to the wireBig comeback
    B
    58/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings21/25
    Comeback15/20
    Decided late14/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  9. #9
    NevadaatMTSU
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wireBack and forth
    B
    56/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback13/20
    Decided late8/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  10. #10
    West VirginiaatVirginia
    CFB· ACC NetworkBig comeback
    C+
    53/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension19/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback16/20
    Decided late4/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 65 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 53

  11. #11
    MarshallatMissouri St
    CFB· CBSSNDown to the wire
    C+
    50/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings19/25
    Comeback7/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

    Drama 71 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 50

  12. #12
    FIUatFAU
    CFB· ESPN+Down to the wire
    C+
    48/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings17/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late15/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  13. #13
    North TexasatTexas St
    CFB· USA NetBack and forth
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension15/30
    Swings20/25
    Comeback10/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

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

  14. #14
    CoastalatDelaware
    CFB· CBSSNDown to the wire
    C
    39/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension30/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  15. #15
    KentuckyatTexas A&M
    CFB· ESPNBig comeback
    D
    31/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings13/25
    Comeback18/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 38 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 31

  16. #16
    Florida StatAlabama
    CFB· ESPN2
    D
    30/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension6/30
    Swings16/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 36 × pre-game weight 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 30

  17. #17
    Mississippi StatSouth Carolina
    CFB· SEC NetworkBig comeback
    D
    28/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings18/25
    Comeback17/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  18. #18
    Fresno StatSan José St
    CFB· FS1
    D
    27/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension21/30
    Swings11/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late5/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 39 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 27

  19. #19
    SE LouisianaatUL Monroe
    CFB· ESPN+
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension16/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback6/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  20. #20
    South DakotaatBoise St
    CFB· CBSSN
    D
    25/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension20/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late2/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

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

  21. #21
    Arizona StatKansas
    CFB· FS1
    D
    20/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension7/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback5/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  22. #22
    PurdueatUCLA
    CFB· BTNBack and forth
    D
    18/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth10/10

    Drama 25 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 18

  23. #23
    W MichiganatRice
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    17/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  24. #24
    Georgia StatUCF
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth8/10

    Drama 22 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 16

  25. #25
    FloridaatAuburn
    CFB· ESPNOne-sided
    D
    16/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings14/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 22 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 16

  26. #26
    James MadisonatSan Diego St
    CFB· CWOne-sided
    D
    13/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings8/25
    Comeback3/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  27. #27
    OhioatSouth Alabama
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings12/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  28. #28
    UConnatSouthern Miss
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    12/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback8/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  29. #29
    New MexicoatOklahoma
    CFB· ESPNEWSOne-sided
    D
    11/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension11/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  30. #30
    UABatLouisiana
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension9/30
    Swings2/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  31. #31
    Virginia TechatMaryland
    CFB· FS1One-sided
    D
    10/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings10/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  32. #32
    TroyatMissouri
    CFB· SECN+One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  33. #33
    TulaneatKansas St
    CFB· ESPN2One-sided
    D
    8/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings9/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

    Drama 12 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 8

  34. #34
    WyomingatC Michigan
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension4/30
    Swings6/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  35. #35
    ColoradoatNorthwestern
    CFB· FoxOne-sided
    D
    7/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings7/25
    Comeback2/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  36. #36
    Ball StateatLiberty
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    6/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth5/10

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

  37. #37
    MaineatBoston College
    CFB· ACCNXOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension8/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  38. #38
    CharlotteatApp State
    CFB· ESPN+One-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension5/30
    Swings3/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  39. #39
    N IllinoisatArizona
    CFB· TNTOne-sided
    D
    5/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension0/30
    Swings5/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  40. #40
    UTEPatMichigan
    CFB· BTNOne-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 0.82 (pre-game Watchability 65, estimated) = 4

  41. #41
    StonehillatUMass
    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

  42. #42
    Louisiana TechatBaylor
    CFB· ESPNUOne-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension2/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth3/10

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

  43. #43
    USCatRutgers
    CFB· CBSOne-sided
    D
    3/100
    ▸ Why this grade
    Late tension3/30
    Swings0/25
    Comeback0/20
    Decided late0/15
    Back-and-forth0/10

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

  44. #44
    Kent StateatOhio 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

  45. #45
    BYUatColorado St
    CFB· CBSOne-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

  46. #46
    MontanaatOregon St
    CFB· USA NetOne-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

  47. #47
    StanfordatDuke
    CFB· CWOne-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

  48. #48
    Bowling GreenatIowa State
    CFB· ESPNUOne-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

  49. #49
    E MichiganatWisconsin
    CFB· PeacockOne-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

  50. #50
    S IllinoisatIllinois
    CFB· PeacockOne-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

  51. #51
    DuquesneatWashington St
    CFB· USA NetOne-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
    Delaware StatSouth Florida
    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

  53. #53
    NichollsatSam Houston
    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 2 × pre-game weight 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 2

  54. #54
    Arkansas StatTCU
    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 0.70 (pre-game Watchability 40, estimated) = 0

  55. #55
    UTSAatTexas
    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

  56. #56
    GeorgiaatArkansas
    CFB· ABCOne-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

  57. #57
    Michigan StatNotre 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

  58. #58
    Western KYatIndiana
    CFB· PeacockOne-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
    BuffaloatPenn State
    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
    Kennesaw StatTennessee
    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.

Get the weekend's best games every Friday

The most watchable games across every sport, what's at stake in the playoff races, and last week's best games, spoiler-free. Free, one email a week.

Sports you care about