College Football Week 6 winners, losers: Notre Dame back on track?

Winner: Pittsburgh RB Israel Abanikanda

Have yourself a night, Israel Abanikanda! The stud running back for the Pittsburgh Panthers had a performance that was akin to something out of a movie. Abanikanda went from having his arm in a sling to having one of the best outings in the history of the ACC.

Initially listed as “probable” for the Week 6 game vs Virginia Tech, there were some questions regarding whether or not Abanikanda would be able to suit up for the Panthers in this pivotal conference game. The decision was made that he would play and it’s a very good thing he did as he had a historic outing vs the Hokies.

Abanikanda notched six rushing touchdowns in the game, tying Norman Budd’s 1910 output against Ohio more than 100 years ago. His 320 rushing yards broke legendary running back Tony Dorsett’s Pittsburgh record of 303 yards in a game set back in 1975 against Notre Dame.

In all, Abanikanda finished the game with 320 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 36 attempts to help Pitt improve to 4-2 this season. Prior to this output, the Brooklyn native had rushed for 130 or more yards in three previous games this season.

Winner: Tulane Green Wave

Tulane is off to an impressive 5-1 start to the 2022 college football season after defeating a talented East Carolina football team this week and earning tough wins over Houston and Kansas State earlier in the season.

While we’re just halfway through the season, the Green Wave have already doubled their win total from last season (two wins) and they are on pace to have their best season in years. This is a team that has finished above .500 just five times this century (2000, 2002, 2013, 2018, and 2019). Getting the win over the Pirates and QB Holton Ahlers, who was coming off a 465-yard, six-touchdown game last week against USF, is a huge win for this team.