Buffs Montez, Shenault, Landman Pick Up National Honors

BOULDER — The 2-0 Colorado Buffaloes are putting themselves back on the national map.

Last weekend's 33-28 win at Nebraska not only earned the Buffs votes in both national polls, it also reaped a host of individual awards for CU players. Among those earning recognition this week were quarterback Steven Montez, wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. 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 fourth-and-1 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 55 of 75 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 game-winning 40-yard scoring pass from Montez, and he also had a rushing touchdown and ran for two first downs (both on fourth-down plays).

This week, he was selected as the Pac-12 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.

Meanwhile, the Buffs received votes in both the Associated Press (31st) and USA Today coaches poll (34th).

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu