Israel Abanikanda became a legend Saturday.
The Pitt Panthers running back rushed for a record-setting 320 yards and six touchdowns in a 45-29 win over Virginia Tech.
Abanikanda, who had 36 carries, broke Tony Dorsett’s Pitt record of 303 rushing yards set in 1975. His six scores tie the Pitt and ACC record set way back in 1910 by Norman Budd (although that predates Pitt’s entrance to the ACC by more than 80 years).
The 5-11, 215-pound junior became the first Power 5 conference football player to rush for more than 300 yards and score six TDs in a game since Ricky Williams of Texas in 1998.
It was quite simply an incredible performance. Check out this 80-yard TD run midway through the fourth quarter.
Israel Abanikanda is putting on a SHOW 😮
36 carries, 320 yards, 6 touchdowns (Pitt and ACC record) 👏pic.twitter.com/JkNfGm2cZF
— Caesars Sportsbook & Casino (@CaesarsSports) October 8, 2022
Abanikanda also hit pay dirt on runs of (in order), 38, 17, 29, 5, and 10 yards.
Not bad for a player who entered the game listed as Probable with an injured arm that had to be placed in a sling after last week’s loss to Georgia Tech.
The Brooklyn native had a respectable 510 yards and seven total touchdowns in the first five games for Pitt (4-2), but this performance puts him on an entirely different level. College football fans are now taking notice.
Israel Abanikanda is a top-tier NFL caliber Running back.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 8, 2022
That guy is gonna make some NFL team SUUUUPER happy
— Andy V (@advgoalie29) October 9, 2022
Was at the game he’s legit
— Drew DeVinney (@DrewGotti23) October 9, 2022
Israel Abanikanda just broke Tony Dorsett's single-game rushing record, he's now over 310 yards and counting. Also set ACC/school records with 6 rushing TDs. Incredible.
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) October 8, 2022
This is what my running backs do in madden
— Pickett For MVP🫡🐐 (@PickettForMVP_) October 8, 2022
— Certified Bucket (@newQB1) October 8, 2022
After a tough loss to Georgia Tech on Oct. 1, Pitt’s season is back on track, thanks in large part to Abanikanda’s heroics.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.