NCAAF

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Is Bernard Pierce getting the Recognition he deserves?

Pierce rushed for 149 yards and 5 touchdowns in a surprise victory over Maryland

The problem is, many college football fans outside of the Philadelphia region may not even know who Bernard Pierce is. Pierce, a junior running back at Temple University recently set single-season school records in rushing touchdowns, overall touchdowns and points. Pierce finished the regular season with 247 carries for 1381 yards and a whopping 25 touchdowns. His stats more than qualify him for recognition among the best running backs in the nation. He put together a number of memorable games such as 147 yards and 3 touchdowns vs. rival Villanova and 150 yards and 3 touchdowns vs. Akron in the first two games of the season. Other notable performances by Peirce this season include 149 yards and 5 touchdowns in a stomping of Maryland, 121 yards and 3 touchdowns vs. Ball State, 152 yards and 2 touchdowns vs. Buffalo and 157 yards and 3 touchdowns vs. Army. Even after missing two games this season due to lingering injuries, his 1381 yards rank him 11^th in the nation in rushing yards. Only Montee Ball of Wisconsin rushed for more touchdowns than Pierce this season. So why is it that when you turn on ESPN, the only running backs mentioned are Ball, Trent Richardson, and LaMichael James? Is it because Temple is in a weaker conference in the MAC? Is it because Piece has proven to be injury prone throughout his career? Both are possibilities, but if Pierce can remain healthy and return for his senior year he will definitely have the potential to be a Heisman trophy candidate. Temple will likely be competing in an upcoming BCS bowl game so be sure to watch for #30 as he will be the one in the end zone.

Posted by Steve Thornton at 9:02 PM