Inside The Panthers

Pitt Expects RB Israel Abanikanda Back Next Week

The Pitt Panthers won't be without their star tailback for long.

Stephen Thompson

Pitt Expects RB Israel Abanikanda Back Next Week
Pitt Expects RB Israel Abanikanda Back Next Week /
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers survived for a week without star running back Israel Abanikanda. Rodney Hammond and C'Borius Flemister carried the load in his absence, rushing for 166 yards and two touchdowns in a 19-9 win over No. 20 Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium. 

Abanikanda's undisclosed injury was a surprise - it wasn't public knowledge until ACC Network broadcasters revealed the news prior to kickoff. The good news for the Panthers is that they wont be without him for long, according to head coach Pat Narduzzi. 

"Obviously we were without our tailback, Izzy," Narduzzi said postgame. "We expect him back, ready to roll next week."

Abanikanda has been one of the most productive rushers in the country this season. He ranks among the national leaders in all purpose yards and touchdowns scored. 

Pitt's next action comes in seven days, when the Panthers travel to Charlottesville, Virginia for a date with the Virginia Cavaliers. 

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

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