Pitt' Abanikanda breaks school's rushing record with 320 yards

Pittsburgh Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda breaks school's single-game rushing record with 320 yards

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/8/22

Pitt running back Israel Abanikanda had a game for the record books in Saturday's 45-29 victory over Virginia Tech.

The junior went off against the Hokies, tying the ACC mark for touchdowns in a game while breaking Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett's single-game rushing record.

Abanikanda averaged a ridiculous 8.9 yards per carry against Virginia Tech, rushing for 320 yards and six touchdowns off 36 carries.

In the fourth quarter, Abanikanda tied the ACC record for scores in style, breaking off an 80-yard touchdown to put a cap on a 16-point win.

ABANIKANDA TIES THE ACC A SINGLE GAME TOUCHDOWN RECORD WITH 6‼️‼️‼️

i repeat

ABANIKANDA TIES THE ACC SINGLE GAME TOUCHDOWN RECORD WITH 6‼️‼️‼️@Pitt_FB | #ACCFootball pic.twitter.com/hHNvWNbEhI
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 8, 2022

Abanikanda topped the record for rushing yards in a game by 17, beating the previous mark of 303 yards, held by Dorsett since 1975.

Izzy Abanikanda breaks Tony Dorsett's Pitt record for rushing yards in a game!

» Abanikanda, 320 and counting...
» Dorsett, 303 vs. Notre Dame, 1975

@IAbanikanda
#H2P » #BeatVT pic.twitter.com/lhr8iWe9P5
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) October 8, 2022

On the year, Abanikanda has rushed for 830 yards with 12 touchdowns through six games.

Abanikanda and the Panthers improved to 3-2 with their victory Saturday over Virginia Tech. After a bye week, Pitt travels to take on Louisville on Oct. 22.

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