Happy birthday, Colorado — and Colorado sports.

Leading into the state’s 150th birthday Aug. 1, The Denver Gazette has partnered with the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame to publicize the definitive list of Colorado’s top 150 sports moments.

For Nos. 50 to 1, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian Dave Plati coordinated a 19-member committee to rank in order what they considered the top moments. The No. 1 moment will be revealed July 31. Plati and Broncos icon Jim Saccomano will unveil the list weekly on a Colorado Sports Hall of Fame podcast at coloradosports.org/podcast/.

No. 14 — Sept. 24, 1994

The “Miracle in Michigan” was deemed the play of the year in sports, winning an ESPY, and was one of the top plays in college football in the 20th century when No. 7 Colorado beat No. 4 Michigan as time ran out, 27-26. CU led 14-3, but the Wolverines rallied to lead 26-14 after three quarters. They still led until 2:16 remaining when Rashaan Salaam scored a touchdown to cut the lead to 26-21. The Buffs regained possession at their own 15, and two plays later were at the 36 with 6 seconds to play. With over 106,000 screaming spectators as CU quarterback Kordell Stewart dropped back to pass, he launched a pass over 70 yards in the air. It was tipped at the goal line by Blake Anderson and hauled in by Michael Westbrook for a touchdown. The “Hail Mary” was made possible by Salaam, who made a key block to buy Stewart time to throw what amounted to a 64-yard play. It was called, “Jet Rocket.”

—Dave Plati, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian