With 2019 being the 150th anniversary for college football, Sports Illustrated released 15 lists of the sport’s greatest things, from rivalries to college town eats. The University of Colorado graced the rankings three times:

No. 6 in the greatest mascots in college football history — Ralphie

Torrey Hart writes: “Ralphie, the 1,200-pound live buffalo, and her team of five varsity student-athlete “handlers” make Colorado football games a worthy addition to any college football fan’s bucket list. Guiding Ralphie around the field pregame and after halftime is a prestigious honor at Colorado, and the program of handlers has its own coaching staff to ensure student safety.”

No. 4 in the greatest traditions in college football — Ralphie’s run

Mitchell Gladston writes: “Before each game in Boulder, the Buffaloes’ 2,000-pound, live buffalo mascot, Ralphie, takes a big lap around the field, leading the entire Colorado team into the stadium while sporting a CU-themed banner. Though Ralphie is a female bison, which means she has smaller legs and is apparently ‘less aggressive,’ she’s still known to knock her handlers to the ground and run up to 25 mph before kickoff.”

No. 6 among college football’s greatest college towns — Boulder

Joan Niesen writes: “Even though Denver has essentially crept to the edge of Boulder’s boundaries, the home of the University of Colorado remains an altogether separate experience from the state’s largest city. With the beautiful Flatirons in the background, visit downtown’s Pearl Street Mall for food and shopping—or just go up to the mountains themselves. Boulder also has great public transit and is about as bike-friendly as a city can be.”

— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post

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What’s on Tap?

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Scoreboard

MLB: Rockies 7, Diamondbacks 6

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MLS: Minnesota United 1, Rapids 0

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Must-Read

Broncos’ rookie Juwann Winfree spread his arms into the air above the end zone while being hoisted by a teammate. A fitting celebration for Denver’s first touchdown of the preseason, and thus, a declaration from its confident sixth-round wide receiver after beating the Falcons in the Hall of Fame game. Read more…

The former Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator and his Buffs “could make a run” in the Pac-12 South and surprise the pundits, Mike Yam notes. Read more…

The 33-year-old turned in his fourth straight scoreless outing in Wednesday’s win against Arizona at Coors Field. Read more…

Quick Hits

+ Rockies podcast: Denver Post beat writers Patrick Saunders and Kyle Newman discuss their favorite MLB ballparks.

+ Phillip Lindsay wants to know why his face isn’t in Madden NFL 20 and other Broncos’ issues about the game.

+ College football awards preview: Could CU’s Laviska Shenault be nation’s best receiver?

+ Male UFC fighter Henry Cejudo challenges female UFC fighter to a match for mythical “intergender” title.

+ Colorado Rapids podcast: Previewing Minnesota United FC and Houston Dynamo matchups.

+ Nick Foles looks to be what the Jaguars were missing. Will it turn out that way?

+ Tiger Woods needs good week, good health to make it to East Lake

+ Boston’s Rafael Devers sets record with 6 hits, 4 doubles in win.

Post Mailbag forms

+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.

+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.

+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.

+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.

By The Numbers

“The”

Ohio State University wants to trademark the word “The” when used as part of the school’s name on university merchandise. Read more…

Parting Shot

So, what does Nuggets rookie Bol Bol get when he goes to Chipotle? If you think a bowl is too obvious of an answer, you’re wrong. Read more…

Get in Touch

If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.