Pittsburgh’s Israel Abanikanda breaks school rushing record in historic day

Pittsburgh Panthers needed running back Israel Abanikanda to make an impact in today’s game and he came through in a big way. While some were concerned about Abanikanda’s status for today’s game since he left the Georgia Tech game early with his arm in a sling, he proved to everyone his health. In today’s game against Virginia Tech, Abanikanda carried the ball 36 times for 320 yards and six touchdowns! Dorsett set the record back in 1975 against Norte Dame going for 303 yards.

Not only did the 320 rushing yards break the Pittsburgh school record, the six rushing touchdowns tied both the Pittsburgh and ACC record. Abanikanda became the first power 5 player to top 300 yards and six rushing touchdowns since Ricky Williams did at Texas back in 1998. The six touchdowns tied Norman Budd’s Pitt single-game record held since 1910

It has been Abanikanda’s best performance in an impressive season so far. Through six games this season, Abanikanda has 129 carries for 830 yards and 12 touchdowns. On a day when the passing game again had its struggles, the star running back yet again carried the team to another victory.

Below are some highlights from Israel Abanikanda.

First touchdown.

Second touchdown.

Third touchdown.

Fifth touchdown.

Sixth touchdown.