Buffaloes might have to replace Stefanou

BOULDER» It was uncharted territory for James Stefanou. And in what arguably were the biggest pressure kicks of his 14 games with the Colorado Buffaloes, an ailing Stefanou was unable to convert.

Working with a new holder in a raucous road environment with potential fourthquarter lead changes in the balance proved too cumbersome for the Buffs’ 31year old sophomore kicker, as the usually dependable Stefanou missed two fourthquarter fieldgoal attempts Saturday at Nebraska. Yet Stefanou’s teammates were able to pick him up in an exhilarating 3328 win.

While Stefanou on Tuesday didn’t admit to any physical issues, during his weekly press luncheon coach Mike MacIntyre said Stefanou suffered a minor groin injury on the PAT following Jay MacIntyre’s second touchdown of the game late in the third quarter — a setback Mike MacIntyre was unaware of before Stefanou missed a pair of fourthquarter fieldgoal attempts that would have given the Buffs the lead.

Stefanou has not kicked in practice early this week, and MacIntyre indicated his status is uncertain for Saturday against New Hampshire.

“I didn’t know it at the time. We might’ve gone with another kicker later on ... but he felt he could kick through it,” MacIntyre said. “That kind of happens sometimes. He’s an excellent kicker, and I guarantee that in that situation next time he’ll make those kicks when he’s completely healthy.

“If you watch the film, (Stefanou) was kind of going across the ball because his leg was tight instead of going up through it. Hopefully that doesn’t happen in the future and hopefully he’ll be fine.”

Davis Price or younger brother Evan Price, a true freshman, would probably replace Stefanou if he is unable to play. Footnotes. The Buffs’ 3328 win at Nebraska not only earned the Buffs votes in both national polls, it reaped a host of individual awards for CU players. Among those earning recognition this week were quarterback Steven Montez, wide receiver Laviska Shenault and linebacker Nate Landman.

A rundown of the latest honors: • Landman: The sophomore linebacker was named the Bronko Nagurski national defensive player of the week after his second straight standout performance. Landman finished with 14 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble against the Huskers. Landman had a huge solo tackle on fourthand1 at midfield to halt one NU drive late in the game, and stopped another Nebraska possession with his second interception of the season (half of CU’s defensive takeaways this season).

Landman, who was also named the National Football Foundation Colorado Chapter Player of the week, will have his named added to this season’s Nagurski Award watch list.

• Montez: Colorado’s junior quarterback produced his second straight outstanding performance, completing 33 of 50 attempts for 351 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Cornhuskers. In two games, Montez has completed 55of75 attempts (73.3 percent) for 689 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception.

This week, Montez was named the Maxwell Award National Player of the Week, was selected to the Davey O’Brien Award “Great 8” list, and was an honorable mention Earl Campbell Award honoree.

• Shenault: The sophomore wide receiver caught 10 passes for 177 yards against Nebraska, including the gamewinning 40yard scoring pass from Montez, and he also had a rushing touchdown and ran for two first downs (both on fourthdown plays).

This week, he was selected as the Pac12 offensive player of the week and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose player of the week (awarded to players with ties to the state of Texas).

With 21 receptions for 388 yards in two games, Shenault leads the nation in receptions and receiving yards per game.