Temple's Heisman candidate Pierce appearing on ESPN today

Temple sophomore running back Bernard Pierce was a train passenger yesterday, rolling toward Bristol, Conn., the backwoods home of sports giant ESPN.

Pierce was an invited guest and will appear today on about "five or six ESPN entities," according to Temple associate athletic director Larry Dougherty, who also was on the northeast-bound train.

The Owls, coming off their first winning season since 1990, started a Heisman Trophy campaign last month for Pierce, who rushed for 1,361 yards in 12 games as a freshman. The campaign got the attention of an ESPN producer. Schedules were checked and coordinated and Pierce was Bristol-bound.

"It's motivating [being on ESPN]," said Pierce, who is from Glen Mills Schools. "What I did last year is carrying over to this year. I just take it 1 day at a time. I want to stay focused on football."

Pierce is scheduled to appear on "First Rise" at 10:50 a.m.; Sportscenter.com at 11:30; ESPNU at 2:45 p.m.; and "College Football Live" at 3:30 p.m.

"It's a good opportunity for him and it's good experience for him," Dougherty said. "I get to be with him and work with him and explain to him what we're trying to do. He is the centerpiece of our program."

Dougherty said ESPN calls it a "car wash," when they bring in an athlete or coach to appear on multiple platforms.

"I think it's great," Dougherty said. "Temple football is getting national exposure. We have nine games on national TV this year. Bernard Pierce is our signature player. We can't put a dollar value on this kind of exposure." *