PITTSBURGH — Virginia’s third-quarter deficit was on the verge of becoming larger, and the Hoos’ three-game losing streak appeared like it would lengthen to four. Until the Cavaliers’ best player, standout safety Jonas Sanker, didn’t allow their problems to worsen. Sanker’s timing on a third-down blitz was flawless and his speed enabled him to take down Pittsburgh running back Desmond Reid for a loss, forcing the Panthers to settle for a field-goal try.
Then, Sanker blocked the kick to keep UVa within six and he sparked the Cavaliers’ 24-19 come-from-behind victory over No. 23 Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium. Sanker, a two-time ACC Defensive Back of the Week who earlier this month earned an invite to East-West Shrine Bowl, finished with five tackles, two tackles for loss, an interception and the blocked field goal.
And UVa (5-4, 3-3 ACC) turned Sanker’s blocked kick into a go-ahead score quickly against the nationally-ranked Panthers (7-2, 3-2 ACC). Hoos quarterback Anthony Colandrea’s 29-yard run into Pitt territory set up a supremely designed play and executed throw from Colandrea to running back Xavier Brown for a 24-yard touchdown. Colandrea stepped up into the pocket and leaped as he fired to Brown, who raced down the middle of the field as he caught the ball and headed to cross the goal line.
A successful extra point put UVa in front 14-13. The Cavaliers would never trail again on the way to snapping that losing streak. Sanker derailed Pitt’s next pos.