There were a lot of familiar faces in the preseason college football coaches’ poll released Thursday. Two teams not on that list (or even receiving votes)? The two that will face off in Broncos Stadium four Fridays from now.
Colorado and Colorado State began practice Thursday afternoon sans national relevance, and there’s little hope outside the Centennial State that will change in 2018. Alas, the glory days of 1990s are a long, long time ago, my friends.
That being said, there will be plenty at stake when CU and CSU do their annual dance in Denver.
Mike MacIntyre may very well be coaching for his job this fall, with anything short of a bowl appearance a possible death sentence. Given the Buffs’ brutal schedule — they have road games at Nebraska, USC, Washington and Arizona — a win against the Rams is an absolute must.
While Mike Bobo should feel secure after three straight trips to bowl games, he and the rest of the Rams fanbase are probably itching to surpass the seven-win plateau that has defined his tenure. For that to happen, it’s going to take an upset or two, and that means beating at least one of the three Power 5 foes on the Rams’ schedule. If I’m betting on which one that could be, I’m going with the one not from the SEC.
So, don’t let the national polls fool you. Bill McCartney and Sonny Lubick ain’t walking through that door, but the Rocky Mountain Showdown remains as big as ever for CSU and CU. If only we could save it for November.
— , The Denver Post
Want to receive this daily newsletter in your inbox? Sign up for free.
What’s on Tap?
- MLB: Rockies at Cardinals, 11:15 a.m. | Pitching matchup |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
MLB: Cardinals 3, Rockies 2
Full story |
Must-Read
A lot of good, some concern, during first week of Broncos training camp
Starting with Case Keenum’s impressive performance, here are 14 things to take away from the first week of Broncos training camp. Read more…
Kiszla: Story time with Mac. Coach tries to build better CU football team with book club for Buffaloes.
Instead of building a bigger weight room or buying whiz-bang video technology, Coach Mike MacIntyre went old school in his attempt to flip the script on the Buffaloes’ 2017 struggles. Read more…
KJ Carta-Samuels hoping to finally find his time to shine at Colorado State
On a scale of 10, first-year Colorado State quarterback Kyle James “K.J.” Carta-Samuels says he’s a nine when understanding the Rams’ complex offense. After Saturday’s scrimmage at Canvas Stadium, he’s confident he’ll be a ’10.’ Read more…
Quick Hits
+ The Rockies bullpen is threatening the franchise’s postseason hopes.
+ Aurora native, and JUCO transfer, Mustafa Johnson could provide the CU football team with a much-needed pass rush.
+ Second baseman DJ LeMahieu was back in uniform Thursday after a stint on the disabled list.
+ Broncos beat writers Ryan O’Halloran and Kyle Fredrickson break down their observations through five days of training camp on the latest First-and-Orange podcast.
+ Ohio State is walling off its football team from reporters after starting an investigation into Urban Meyer and the program’s latest scandal.
+ Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson took a break from sipping wine to visit the Oakland Raiders’ training camp Thursday.
+ Kane, the WWE wrestler, was elected mayor of Knox County in Tennessee. And he didn’t even need to .
+ The Memphis Grizzlies unveiled a new look Thursday. It looks slightly different than the old one.
+ The San Francisco Giants’ season might be done. Pablo Sandoval definitely is.
+ Nary a man took a knee during the national anthem at the Hall of Fame game.
+ The World Series could end in October for the first time in four years. Imagine that.
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
$2.5 million
What the Colorado Avalanche agreed to pay defenseman Patrik Nemeth for the 2018-19 season in a one-year deal. Read more…
Parting Shot
New England Patriots fan turns Tom Brady’s autograph into a tattoo
A young Connecticut woman didn’t want to ever lose the autograph she got from Tom Brady. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
