PITTSBURGH—Pitt’s Israel Abanikanda received yet another prestigious honor today when he was named the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week.
In the midst of an All-America caliber season, Abanikanda seized the country’s attention with a historic performance in the Panthers’ 45-29 victory over Virginia Tech this past weekend.
Facing a top-25 ranked rushing defense, the junior went off for 320 yards and six touchdowns on 36 carries (8.9 avg.). His rushing yardage and rushing TDs are the most by an FBS player in a game this season.
Abanikanda broke the legendary Tony Dorsett’s school single-game rushing record of 303 yards set against Notre Dame on Nov. 15, 1975. Additionally, Abanikanda tied the 112-year-old school record for rushing touchdowns in a game, set by Norman Budd against Ohio on Oct. 29, 1910.
Per ESPN Stats & Info, Abanikanda joins LaDanian Tomlinson and Ricky Williams—both former Doak Walker Award recipients—as the only players from current Power 5 programs to rush for 300 yards and score six rush TDs in a game over the last 25 seasons.
In addition to the Doak Walker recognition, Abanikanda has also been honored as the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week, Pro Football Focus Offensive Player of the Week and, for the third time this season, ACC Running Back of the Week.
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., and graduate of Lincoln High School, Abanikanda currently leads the country in total touchdowns (13), rushing touchdowns (12), total points (78) and all-purpose yards per game (186.17 avg.). He ranks second in total rushing yards (830) and scoring per game (13.0 avg.).
The Doak Walker Award presented by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum has been awarded to the nation’s top running back since 1990. For the first time, the award is recognizing a national running back of the week this season.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on November 22. Three finalists will be named a week later.
The Panthers (4-2, 1-1 ACC) are idle this week. They return to action on Oct. 22 at Louisville. The game will be an ACC Network telecast and kick off at 8 p.m.
Story Credit: Pitt Athletics
Image: Vince Butts for UMT