Top runner has injury, Miami knows Temple's backup is talented

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer 11:31 PM Monday, November 7, 2011

OXFORD — Uncertainty is dogging Temple’s offense as the Owls prepare for their nationally televised football game against the Miami RedHawks.

Temple coach Steve Addazio said Monday he doesn’t know whether Bernard Pierce, one of the nation’s top tailbacks, will be able to play.

“No idea,” Addazio said of the 6-foot, 218-pound junior who is among the NCAA leaders in rushing yards (12th with 1,035) and rushing touchdowns (tied for second with 19). “I really don’t have a habit of commenting on those things and I really don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Pierce suffered a head injury in Temple’s 35-31 loss at Ohio last week and after the game spent several hours in a hospital.

Treadwell is preparing to face an explosive tailback regardless of whether Pierce is able to go. Temple junior Matt Brown also is good, he said.

Brown has rushed for 578 yards and his 5.8-yard average per carry is seventh-tenths of a yard better than that of Pierce.

Treadwell said it not only will be up to both Miami’s defense to and Miami’s scout team to contain the Owls’ running game.

“We put the onus on our Warrior Scout team,” the Miami coach said, explaining that the RedHawk defense typically plays well after the scout team it faces in practice that week does a good job of duplicating the opponent’s offense.

“You basically have to still do your fundamentals,” Treadwell added, “which is to tackle and do it very well. You have to come out of the gate fast against a team that has a very good running back.”

Treadwell also was unsure about which Temple quarterback Miami would face. Sophomore Chris Coyer replaced Chester Stewart early in the Owls’ game last week and threw three touchdown passes.

“They have a couple options they’re looking at and I’m sure they’ll use them to their advantage,” he said.

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