Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt’s Israel Abanikanda has been named the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week for his historic performance in the Panthers’ 45-29 victory over Virginia Tech.
Facing a top-25 rushing defense, Abanikanda went off for 320 yards and six touchdowns on 36 carries (8.9 avg.). His rushing yardage and rushing TDs are the most by an FBS player in a game this season.
Abanikanda broke the legendary Tony Dorsett’s school single-game rushing record of 303 yards set against Notre Dame on Nov. 15, 1975. Additionally, Abanikanda tied the 112-year-old school record for rushing touchdowns in a game, set by Norman Budd against Ohio on Oct. 29, 1910.
In ACC annals, Abanikanda tied the conference single-game rushing TDs mark held by North Carolina’s Kelvin Bryant (set against East Carolina on Sept. 12, 1981). Abanikanda’s rushing yardage ranks fourth all-time among ACC backs.
Per ESPN Stats & Info, Abanikanda joins LaDanian Tomlinson and Rickey Williams as the only players from current Power 5 programs to rush for 300 yards and score six rush TDs in a game over the last 25 seasons.
Abanikanda’s previous single-game rushing high was 177 yards set against Rhode Island earlier this year. His six touchdown runs against Virginia Tech totaled 179 yards (38, 17, 29, 5, 10 and 80 yards).
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., and graduate of Lincoln High School, Abanikanda currently leads the country in total touchdowns (13), rushing touchdowns (12), total points (78) and all-purpose yards per game (186.17 avg.). He ranks second in total rushing yards (830) and scoring per game (13.0 avg.).
The Panthers (4-2, 1-1 ACC) are idle this week. They return to action on Oct. 22 at Louisville.
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