Five Virginia players who could give SMU fits

This weekend’s opponent, Virginia, stands in the way of the SMU Mustangs and their first berth in the ACC title game. The Cavaliers host the No. 13-ranked Mustangs on Saturday for an early kickoff after losing four of their last five matchups. Despite a 5-5 record, Virginia has displayed an ability for producing shock upsets, including a victory over a ranked Pitt squad just one week after SMU delivered the Panthers their first loss of the season.

The Cavs are coming off of a loss against top-10 Notre Dame, which saw the Fighting Irish score 28 unanswered points in the first half. Though UVA’s momentum has shifted, there are still players that could give the Mustangs trouble on Saturday. Here’s a look at five Cavaliers to know before the 11 a.m. CT kickoff in Scott Stadium.

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QB Anthony Colandrea

Virginia starting quarterback Anthony Colandrea had a less than stellar performance last week against Notre Dame, but according to head coach Tony Elliott, he’ll once again get the nod on Saturday. He went 8-for-21 against the Fighting Irish while throwing three interceptions, bringing his season totals up to 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. 

So far this season, Colandrea has passed for 2,017 yards with a completion percentage that fluctuates but averages 61.4%. A willing runner, he’s racked up 282 yards, but also taken 30 sacks, including nine sacks which came three weeks ago against UNC. If Colandrea isn’t on point on Saturday, the team will turn to senior backup QB Tony Muskett who is 26-of-40 on completions this season with three touchdown passes and one interception.

RB Kobe Pace (and Xavier Brown)

The Virginia Cavaliers balance the run game with two backs, though senior Kobe Pace has more carries than junior Xavier Brown. The duo have tallied 185 carries for 961 yards and four touchdowns. Though Pace has more than double the receptions of Brown so far this season, it’s the latter that’s scored two receiving touchdowns. Pace and Brown, along with Colandrea, have the Virginia run game ranked 88th in the nation, averaging 142.2 rushing yards per game.

WR Malachi Fields

Malachi Fields, a preseason All-ACC third team honoree, leads the Cavaliers’ receiving attack with 49 catches and 746 yards through 10 games. The senior out of Charlottesville is less than 100 yards shy of a career-best season and is coming off of a four-catch, 81-yard performance against Notre Dame. A consistent weapon for Colandrea, he’s had 60+ yards receiving in seven games so far this season and will be the one to watch on Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound wideout is ranked 39th overall in the country in receiving yards.

TE Tyler Neville

Already creating mismatches with Fields, the Virginia Cavaliers will try to give SMU more trouble with their other top receiver – 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end Tyler Neville. Neville, a transfer from Harvard, has a career-high of 31 catches for 352 yards this season. He’s scored twice, though both touchdowns came in September against Wake Forest.

LB Kam Robinson

Virginia native Kam Robinson is the do-it-all linebacker in the heart of the Cavs defense. So far this season, he’s sacked opposing quarterbacks four times, while also snagging one interception and one fumble recovery. He is second on the team in tackles with 54, including 33 solo tackles, behind only senior safety Jonas Sanker. Robinson and Sanker lead the Virginia defense which currently ranks 110th in total defense, allowing 401 yards per game. Elliott said he’s probable for this week’s game.