University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt’s Abanikanda Earns Second ACC RB of the Week Accolade
9/26/2022 1:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt's Israel Abanikanda, who compiled nearly 200 scrimmage yards in the Panthers' 45-24 victory over Rhode Island this past Saturday, has been named the ACC Running Back of the Week for the second time this season.
Abanikanda rushed for career highs of 177 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries—an impressive 9.3 average. His touchdowns covered 67, 12, 24 and 13 yards. Abanikanda added a 19-yard reception for a total of 196 yards from scrimmage and 245 all-purpose yards against the Rams.
He previously earned the ACC's weekly running back honor following a 154-yard performance against Tennessee (Sept. 10).
Abanikanda (Brooklyn, N.Y./Abraham Lincoln) has now rushed for more than 100 yards in three consecutive games, the first time a Pitt player has accomplished that feat since Darrin Hall in 2017. Abanikanda's four rushing TDs against URI are Pitt's most since Hall also had four against North Carolina during the 2017 season.
On the year, Abanikanda is posting national-caliber numbers. Through four contests, the junior has rushed for 479 yards and six touchdowns on 83 carries (5.8 avg.).
He boasts top-10 national rankings in all-purpose yards (second, 180.25 avg.), rushing yards (sixth, 119.8 avg.), total touchdowns (fifth, seven total), rushing TDs (seventh, six total) and scoring (10th, 10.5 avg.).
He leads the ACC in all-purpose yards, rushing yards, rushing yards per game and total touchdowns.
Abanikanda has three ACC weekly honors for his career. In addition to his two running back awards, he was named the ACC Specialist of the Week after he had a 98-yard kickoff return TD in a victory over Virginia last year.
Pitt has had an ACC Player of the Week following each game this season. In addition to Abanikanda's two honors, cornerback M.J. Devonshire (West Virginia) and quarterback Nate Yarnell (Western Michigan) were also recognized.
Ranked No. 24 in both major polls this week, the Panthers open ACC play by hosting Georgia Tech this Saturday, October 1, at Acrisure Stadium. The ACC Network telecast will kick off at 8 p.m.
For tickets, call 800-643-PITT (7488) or online at PittsburghPanthers.com.
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Abanikanda rushed for career highs of 177 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries—an impressive 9.3 average. His touchdowns covered 67, 12, 24 and 13 yards. Abanikanda added a 19-yard reception for a total of 196 yards from scrimmage and 245 all-purpose yards against the Rams.
He previously earned the ACC's weekly running back honor following a 154-yard performance against Tennessee (Sept. 10).
Abanikanda (Brooklyn, N.Y./Abraham Lincoln) has now rushed for more than 100 yards in three consecutive games, the first time a Pitt player has accomplished that feat since Darrin Hall in 2017. Abanikanda's four rushing TDs against URI are Pitt's most since Hall also had four against North Carolina during the 2017 season.
On the year, Abanikanda is posting national-caliber numbers. Through four contests, the junior has rushed for 479 yards and six touchdowns on 83 carries (5.8 avg.).
He boasts top-10 national rankings in all-purpose yards (second, 180.25 avg.), rushing yards (sixth, 119.8 avg.), total touchdowns (fifth, seven total), rushing TDs (seventh, six total) and scoring (10th, 10.5 avg.).
He leads the ACC in all-purpose yards, rushing yards, rushing yards per game and total touchdowns.
Abanikanda has three ACC weekly honors for his career. In addition to his two running back awards, he was named the ACC Specialist of the Week after he had a 98-yard kickoff return TD in a victory over Virginia last year.
Pitt has had an ACC Player of the Week following each game this season. In addition to Abanikanda's two honors, cornerback M.J. Devonshire (West Virginia) and quarterback Nate Yarnell (Western Michigan) were also recognized.
Ranked No. 24 in both major polls this week, the Panthers open ACC play by hosting Georgia Tech this Saturday, October 1, at Acrisure Stadium. The ACC Network telecast will kick off at 8 p.m.
For tickets, call 800-643-PITT (7488) or online at PittsburghPanthers.com.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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