Temple needs Pierce to spark stalled offense

Temple football coach Al Golden said on Monday that running back Bernard Pierce, who suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter of the Owls' 22-13 loss at Penn State on Saturday, will be a game-time decision for the team's date with host Army this week.

"I think they're doing [tests] today," Golden said. "Before that, they cast it up as a precaution. Hopefully, he'll be ready. I don't think we have any other physical issues other than Bernard being a game-time deal."

Pierce, who seems to run stronger as a game goes along, scored both of Temple's touchdowns against Penn State as the Owls suffered their first loss of the season to fall to 3-1. The 6-foot, 218-pound Pierce, who reached the end zone on 5- and 3-yard runs in the first quarter, left with Temple leading, 13-9.

He had 42 yards on 10 carries before hurting his right ankle.

The previous week, 140 of Pierce's season-high 169 yards rushing came during the last two quarters of Temple's 30-16 victory over Connecticut at Lincoln Financial Field. Last fall, when Temple fell to UCLA, 30-21, in the EagleBank Bowl, Pierce did not play in the second half after aggravating a shoulder injury.

The Owls led UCLA, 21-10, at halftime but, as against Penn State on Saturday, Temple did not score again after Pierce went out. The native of Ardmore was named the Mid-American Conference freshman of the year after leading the league in rushing with 1,361 yards, and setting a Temple single-season record with 16 touchdowns.

"Our coach tells everyone to prepare like a starter," said Owls' two-way star James Nixon, who broke off a 51-yard run to set up Pierce's second touchdown. "Anything can happen on any play, so really all just keep going with a "next man" mentality."

As he did last season when Pierce missed time due to injury, Golden turned to 5-5, 170-pound Matt Brown to handle the running back spot against Penn State. He had 48 yards on 12 carries, and his 18-yard run preceded Pierce's first score.

When it was over, Temple had played Penn State the closest it had since suffering a 27-25 defeat in 1985.

The Owls have not come out on top against the Nittany Lions since 1941, but Temple safety Jaiquwan Jarrett said he thinks his team has earned Penn State's respect.

"I would say they looked at us differently," said Jarrett, who was named defensive player of the week in the MAC East Division after leading all defenders with 11 tackles. "We came out flying and we were physical. They were talking to us and saying 'Good job', and 'Nice play right there.' So, it was a good experience."

Next up for Temple is a Saturday visit to West Point on homecoming day. Army (3-1) is coming off a 35-21 win at Duke on Saturday. In that outing, the Black Knights turned four Blue Devils turnovers into touchdowns.

"This is one physical, disciplined team," Golden said about Army.