University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt's Abanikanda Named ACC Running Back of the Week
9/12/2022 1:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt's Israel Abanikanda has been named the ACC Running Back of the Week for his performance against Tennessee this past Saturday.
Abanikanda rushed for a career-high 154 yards with a touchdown on 25 carries (6.2 avg.) against the Volunteers. The junior finished with 175 scrimmage yards, including his 21-yard reception.

Abanikanda (Brooklyn, N.Y./Abraham Lincoln) gave Pitt a 10-0 first-quarter lead with a dazzling 76-yard touchdown run. It marked the Panthers' longest rush since Nov. 10, 2018, when Qadree Ollison had a school-record 97-yard run for a score against Virginia Tech.
Through two games, Abanikanda leads Pitt in rushing with 169 yards on 33 carries (5.1 avg.). He paced the team last season in rushing yards (651) and rushing TDs (seven) on 123 carries (5.3 avg.).
Pitt is ranked in the national polls for the third consecutive week. The Panthers are ranked No. 23 by Associated Press and No. 25 in the USA TODAY American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Poll.
Pitt plays at Western Michigan this Saturday, Sept. 17, in an ESPNU nationally televised contest. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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Abanikanda rushed for a career-high 154 yards with a touchdown on 25 carries (6.2 avg.) against the Volunteers. The junior finished with 175 scrimmage yards, including his 21-yard reception.
Abanikanda (Brooklyn, N.Y./Abraham Lincoln) gave Pitt a 10-0 first-quarter lead with a dazzling 76-yard touchdown run. It marked the Panthers' longest rush since Nov. 10, 2018, when Qadree Ollison had a school-record 97-yard run for a score against Virginia Tech.
Through two games, Abanikanda leads Pitt in rushing with 169 yards on 33 carries (5.1 avg.). He paced the team last season in rushing yards (651) and rushing TDs (seven) on 123 carries (5.3 avg.).
Pitt is ranked in the national polls for the third consecutive week. The Panthers are ranked No. 23 by Associated Press and No. 25 in the USA TODAY American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Poll.
Pitt plays at Western Michigan this Saturday, Sept. 17, in an ESPNU nationally televised contest. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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