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. 6 — Jan. 1, 1991

A two-year pursuit of the national championship came to fruition in an Orange Bowl rematch between Colorado and Notre Dame, this time with the Buffaloes prevailing, 10-9. Charles Johnson replaced an injured Darian Hagan at quarterback in the second half and led the Buffs to their only touchdown. Key defensive plays were by Ronnie Bradford, who blocked the Irish PAT kick after their only touchdown in the second quarter, and Deon Figures, who intercepted a Rick Mirer pass with 13 seconds left, running out the clock to secure the victory. Colorado became the consensus national champion, having compiled an 11-1-1 record for the 1990 season — and a 22-2-1 mark over a two-year span.

—Dave Plati, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian