Virginia Tech drops ACC divisional clash at Pitt

Israel Abanikanda ran for 320 yards to break Tony Dorsett’s Pittsburgh record and scored six touchdowns in the Panthers’ 45-29 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Abanikanda also tied the school and Atlantic Coast Conference records for touchdowns. Norman Budd scored six touchdowns for Pitt against Ohio in 1910.

Abanikanda helped Pitt (1-1, 4-2) rebound from an ugly home loss last week against a Georgia Tech team that fired its head coach earlier in the week. Abanikanda, the ACC’s leading rusher, had his arm in a sling at the end of last week’s game against Georgia Tech.

Grant Wells completed 25 passes for 277 yards with a touchdown and interception for Virginia Tech (1-2, 2-4). Tech scored 29 points after putting up 20 points total in its two previous contests.

The Hokies jumped out to an early 16-7 lead, but an offensive lull allowed the Panthers to score the next 24 points. After a second-quarter touchdown, the Hokies punted five times – including four three-and-outs – and threw an interception on their next six drives.

Pitt led 17-16 at halftime and Abanikanda extended the advantage on the Panthers’ second drive of the second half. Abanikanda scored his third touchdown of the game, this one a 29-yard run along the left side to give the Panthers a 24-16 lead.

Abanikanda scored his fourth touchdown on the Panthers’ next drive, capping a seven-play, 56-yard series, putting Pitt in front, 31-16.

But Virginia Tech rallied. Wells hooked up with Da’Wain Lofton for a 43-yard touchdown and P.J. Prioleau blocked a Pitt punt that was recovered by Nyke Johnson in the end zone. A two-point try failed and Pitt led, 31-29.

The Pitt defense helped Abanikanda find the end zone again.

John Morgan forced a fumble at midfield, which was recovered by Shayne Simon. Abanikanda scored his fifth touchdown two plays later. He tied the school record with an 80-yard burst up the middle on the Panthers’ next drive.

Abanikanda opened the scoring for Pittsburgh with a 38-yard touchdown run. He capped an 11-play, 95-yard drive.

The Hokies answered with a touchdown of their own 63 seconds later on a 5-yard Malachi Thomas run. Deandre Jules blocked the extra point to keep Pitt in front, 7-6.

William Ross kicked an 18-yard field goal, giving Virginia Tech a 9-7 lead. It could have been more, but Pitt’s goal line stand kept the Hokies out of the end zone after three plays from inside the 2-yard line.

Keshawn King made sure to score on the Hokies’ next possession after Keonta Jenkins picked off Kedon Slovis two plays later. King’s 19-yard touchdown capped a two-play, 30-second drive and gave Virginia Tech a 16-7 lead.

Abanikanda ended Pitt’s next possession with his second touchdown of the game and Ben Sauls kicked a 47-yard field goal to give the Panthers a one-point halftime lead.

UP NEXT

Virginia Tech hosts Miami (Fla.) on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET in Lane Stadium. Pregame coverage will begin at 11 AM on 103.3 FM WESR.