College Football Week 5: 5 Reasons Why Temple's Bernard Pierce Deserves Heisman

Can a running back from Temple bring home the Heisman Trophy?

Probably not, but this isn't the old Temple and Bernard Pierce isn't just any running back.

Temple is winning, and Pierce is putting up record-setting numbers along the way. While his name won't likely be mentioned with the Andrew Lucks and Marcus Lattimores of the world in Heisman Trophy talk, Pierce should at least draw a little bit of consideration after the first four weeks of this college football season.

He's as Good as Any Back in Any Conference

Sometimes a back from a smaller conference looks good because he's only playing against small conference competition.

That's not the case here. Pierce has the ability to play and would likely perform well in any conference in the nation.

He's a Touchdown Machine

Pierce has a knack for finding the end zone, and after Temple made some waves last week by blowing out Maryland a week ago, Pierce has already found the end zone 12 times in only 87 carries.

He's on pace to do some really special things in 2011.

He Can Do It All

Pierce is big, fast and has great vision. He makes great cuts that most backs can't make. He also has the power to get the tough yards inside and the speed to hurt you on the perimeter.

Very few backs in the nation can do all the things that Pierce can do.

He's truly a complete package.

Numbers

Four games into the season, Pierce has rushed for 496 yards and 12 scores.

Those numbers are comparable to any back in the nation.

He's running behind a good offensive line, and if he gets the ball consistently for the rest of the season, Pierce should have numbers that are as good as anyone else.

Pierce is on pace to eclipse over 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns.

His numbers alone should give him consideration.

Why Not?

Why shouldn't Pierce at least get some love and his name thrown in the mix? Guys from smaller programs have drawn Heisman consideration before, and Pierce is, without a doubt, a special type of back.

Let the nation pay attention to this kid for a little bit and see what happens. If he keeps things up, people will have to open their eyes and pay attention to him anyway.