Colorado University Athletics
MacIntyre Voices Firm Support Of Buffs QB Liufau
October 12, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre had a succinct but definitive answer to a question about quarterback Sefo Liufau Monday morning.
Asked whether he “at any point” has considered making a change at the position, MacIntyre answered almost before the question was finished.
“No,” MacIntyre said firmly.
MacIntyre made it clear that Liufau will be the Buffs' quarterback when the Buffs play host to Arizona on Saturday at Folsom Field (7 p.m, Pac-12 Network).
Asked how big the gap is between Liufau and backups Jordan Gehrke and Cade Apsay, MacIntyre said, “Sefo has played a lot, he's done well, he's big, he's strong, he's competitive. I can't say how big the gap is, but we feel like he's better right now.”
There's no question that Liufau has missed some passes this season, and he'll be the first to admit it. His completion percentage is down from a year ago, as are his interceptions. He's also been under heavy pressure the last two games, suffering five sacks against Oregon two weeks ago and eight in last weekend's 48-23 loss to ASU.
But there's also no question CU coaches firmly believe Liufau gives the Buffs the best chance to win, even though he has struggled at times.
“We need to play better all across the board,” MacIntyre said. “It hasn't always been his fault. We've got to execute better in every phase. A little bit with Sefo, a little bit with the receivers, a little bit with the offensive line, a little bit with the running backs. … We haven't executed as well as we would like. We need to do that this Saturday, and I expect us to.”
Liufau threw for 389 yards, a touchdown and an interception against ASU, the second-best yardage total of his career.
KRONSHAGE BACK: The Buffs received a bit of good news Monday when left tackle Sam Kronshage was cleared to return to practice. Kronshage — who replaced Jeromy Irwin in the starting lineup after Irwin suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season — did not play against ASU because of a concussion.
His return means Stephane Nembot will be able to return to right tackle, all of which is good news for CU's offensive line.
Also on the injury front, MacIntyre said linebacker Ryan Severson twisted his ankle early in the ASU game, but continued to play.
PUNT PROBLEMS: The Buffs have had two punts blocked this year and another tipped. MacIntyre said one player has been responsible for missing blocks on those plays, and that player will be replaced this week.
OREGON STATE KICKOFF: The Pac-12 announced Monday that CU's Oct. 24 game at Oregon State will kick off at 8:30 p.m. Mountain time and will be televised by the Pac-12 Network.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
