Temple runs to big lead behind Pierce, defeats Eastern Michigan 24-12

Temple tops Eastern Michigan 24-12

YPSILANTI, Mich. — Bernard Pierce ran for 180 yards and two touchdowns to lead Temple past Eastern Michigan, 24-12, in Mid-American Conference play Saturday.

Pierce scored both of his touchdowns in the first quarter for the Owls (2-2, 2-0). He scored on runs of 16 and 3 yards, and Vaughn Charlton found Evan Rodriguez for a 14-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to give Temple a 21-0 lead. Eastern Michigan (0-4, 0-1) scored later in the second quarter on a pair of Joe Carithers field goals, but the Eagles didn’t score a touchdown until Terren Blevins scored from a yard out with 1:39 remaining in the game.

Temple ran for 242 yards compared to 50 for the Eagles. Kyle McMahon threw for 230 yards for Eastern Michigan.