COL FB: Virginia 23, Pittsburgh 16

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Virginia used an inspired defensive effort to down Pittsburgh Saturday, 23-16, in the Continental Tire Bowl.

The Cavaliers snapped Larry Fitzgerald's NCAA record streak of catching at least one touchdown pass at 18 games and recorded five sacks.

Fitzgerald, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy runner-up, had a streak of scoring catches that easily eclipsed the NCAA mark of 13 set by Michigan State's Charles Rogers last season. In what may be his final college game, he caught five passes for 75 yards. Despite his status as a true sophomore, there is speculation that Fitzgerald will try to enter the NFL draft.

"They just did a terrific job of taking me out of the offense," Fitzgerald said. "I don't play for records. The record was fun and and I thank my teammates for helping me get it."

"When you go up against a great player like Larry Fitzgerald, you need a team effort to contain him and that's what we got," said Virginia Coach Al Groh.

Virginia's Matt Schaub threw for 240 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown to Heath Miller. He was sacked just once.

It marked the second straight year the Cavaliers (8-5) have won this bowl game. They beat West Virginia, 48-22, last December.

Despite constant pressure, Rod Rutherford passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns.