Comment on Renck: Broncos coach Sean Payton is in a hurry to win, but patience is required with Bo Nix and Denver’s young roster

Nathan MacKinnon doesn’t always enjoy speaking with reporters, but there’s no question he is one of the most honest superstars in the NHL if not all of professional sports. He will often say what is on his mind, is blunt when he needs to be and doesn’t sugarcoat the situation when the Colorado Avalanche is scuffling.

When the Big 12 schedule was released, there were certainly matchups that were circled as must-see TV. Colorado’s trip to Arizona this Saturday may not be the biggest game on the ledger, but a matchup within the matchup could be worth the price of admission. When the Buffs (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) face the Wildcats (3-3, 1-2) in Tucson, Ariz.

NEW ORLEANS — The Broncos got reinforcements for their Thursday night game against the Saints. They activated right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee), outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) off of injured reserve, returning a trio of players with extensive experience. McGlinchey and Browning each spent the minimum of four weeks on injured reserve, while Mathis has been on since the roster cutdown deadline in late August. McGlinchey, not surprisingly, jumped right back into the starting lineup.

Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver take on the Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Live updates Halftime analysis — Broncos 16, Saints 3 Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Stick to the run and this one will be over nice and quick for the Broncos. Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Having a fast start was a point of emphasis for the Broncos going into Thursday night.

The Mountain West on Thursday announced its preseason men’s basketball all-conference teams and the league’s predicted order of finish. Colorado State fifth-year guard Nique Clifford was one of 10 players voted to the all-conference team. Clifford, who starred at The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs and CU, averaged 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists for the Rams in 36 starts last season. CSU was voted to finish seventh out of the conference’s 11 teams this season, which would land them in the same spot they had last season.

The Colorado Avalanche may have reached the Murphy’s Law portion of the 2024-25 season, and it’s only four games old. Another injury. A failed comeback attempt was thwarted when the reigning MVP lost the puck at center ice. Stretches of improved play, but also times where they were outclassed. The end result was a 5-3 loss Wednesday night to the Boston Bruins at Ball Arena, and the club’s first 0-4 start to a season since 1998-99.