Four Panthers Earn ACC Football Player of the Week Accolades

PITTSBURGH—Pitt dominated the ACC's weekly football awards following Saturday's 28-26 win over Duke.

Four Panthers were honored: Israel Abanikanda (running back of the week); SirVocea Dennis (linebacker), Brandon Hill (defensive back) and Ben Sauls (specialist).

Israel Abanikanda ACC RB of the Week Duke

Israel Abanikanda ACC RB of the Week Duke

Abanikanda achieved his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season, the most by a Pitt player since Dion Lewis logged 10 in 2009. He rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries (6.6 avg.), and added a 2-point conversion rush that ultimately provided the winning margin. This is Abanikanda's fourth ACC Running Back of the Week accolade of the season and his fifth weekly ACC award overall.

Dennis collected a career-high 14 tackles and added a TFL and forced fumble against the Blue Devils. He was responsible for the game's most pivotal stop, snuffing out a trick play on a 2-point conversion attempt with 47 seconds remaining. Dennis sacked Duke's Jordan Moore, who had taken a handoff on a reverse pass play, preserving Pitt's two-point lead. This is his first ACC Linebacker of the Week honor of the season and fourth of his career.

Hill's 30-yard scoop and score in the fourth quarter proved crucial in Pitt's victory. The fumble return touchdown and subsequent 2-point conversion gave the Panthers a 28-14 lead with 13:30 left. In addition to his decisive TD, Hill added eight tackles and a pass breakup. This is his first ACC Defensive Back of the Week honor of the season and third of his career.

Sauls accounted for eight points in the victory, converting each of his four placements (2-of-2 field goals, 2-of-2 extra points). He opened the scoring with a 47-yard field goal and later boomed a 51-yarder under blustery and cold conditions. Sauls' 51-yard field goal marked the longest by a Pitt player since Nov. 21, 2020, when Alex Kessman converted kicks of 52 and 53 yards against Virginia Tech. This is Sauls' first career ACC Specialist of the Week honor.

Winners of three consecutive games, the Panthers (7-4, 4-3 ACC) play at Miami (5-6, 3-4) this Saturday. The game will be an ACC Network telecast and kick off at 8 p.m.

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Four Panthers Earn ACC Football Player of the Week Accolades

Players Mentioned

Israel Abanikanda

SirVocea Dennis

Brandon Hill

Ben Sauls

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