Kansas’ Tony Pierson returns to the team’s rushing attack

After season-ending injuries to senior running backs Brandon Bourbon and Taylor Cox in the preseason, KU offensive coordinator John Reagan found one way to make up for the shortage of rushers: Senior receiver Tony Pierson, a former running back, had three carries for 44 yards and emerged as a weapon in the running game.

Pierson, who added a 67-yard touchdown reception, was playing for the first time since his junior season was derailed by a rash of concussions.

“It was good for Tony,” KU coach Charlie Weis said. “Remember now, we were three games in last year and he (had) some big numbers.”

Sophomore kicker Matthew Wyman finished two of four on field-goal attempts, including a 43-yarder that opened the scoring in the first quarter. Wyman missed twice from 49 yards, including one attempt that was blocked. Last week, Weis said that true freshman John Duvic would be the starting kicker. But Weis said Saturday that Duvic did not “respond well” in practice after being named the starter.

Receiver Rodriguez Coleman was not in uniform for Saturday’s game. Weis said Coleman, a junior receiver, should be available next Saturday.

Center judge Cat Conti became the first female official in Big 12 Conference history by working the game.

This story was originally published September 6, 2014 at 11:55 PM with the headline "Kansas’ Tony Pierson returns to the team’s rushing attack."