Gazette-Times Reporter

Being able to run the ball is usually the difference in wins and losses for the Oregon State football team.

Controlling the tempo and not being predicable are the goals each game.

That could be a challenge when facing 13th-ranked Southern California in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this afternoon in a showdown between two fourth-place teams in the Pacific-10 Conference.

“A one-dimensional game against this team would be horrible,” coach Mike Riley said. “It’s hard to sit in there all day and pass protect with all the talent and blitzes. We will have a hard time doing that, so we have to find ways to run the ball.”

The Beavers (5-3, 3-2) could be without staring tailback Yvenson Bernard, due to a left shoulder sprain from last weekend’s game. If he does play, it will be in a limited basis.

Even though he’s vital to the team as a ball carrier, receiver and pass blocker, there’s more. His presence lifts the team.

A few carries would lead by example to dig down for the extra effort and determination.

“Yve brings that leadership about him,” center Kyle DeVan said. “He’s the one always yelling and screaming and getting everyone fired up. We hope he comes back, but we can’t dwell on missing Yvenson.”

Carrying the bulk of the rushing chores falls to seniors Matt Sieverson and Clinton Polk. They don’t have much experience, but have shown well when given the opportunity.

“We’ll try and not change what we want to do against SC,” Riley said. “We’ll expect those guys to perform. We’ll have some sort of rotation. That would be a series rotation, not a play rotation.

“We feel good about those guys playing. They are both versatile. Their practice has been good. Even if we have Yve, there will be a rotation.”

A precedent was set of OSU defeating the Trojans (6-2, 3-2) without the star running back. It was done last year with Polk when Bernard sat out due to an ankle injury.

Polk ran for 100 yards and kept USC guessing to when the pass would come.

“I went out there and gave it my all,” Polk said. “I was prepared well for the game. My confidence level was up. I just have to go out there strong-minded again.”

Even though Polk performed well against USC, Sieverson will be the official starter if Bernard can’t go.

Polk lost the backup job after not being academically eligible when training camp opened. He had to rally in the classroom and missed the first two games.

“The biggest thing is he missed fall camp, and that gave Matt Sieverson the opportunity to take those turns, and take that spot,” Riley said. “And there’s nothing done to unseat him. They are both talented and are similar in a lot of ways. They’ll be good.”

Sieverson is the surprise of the season. He’s on his third position, having played safety and slot back.

Injuries and sickness have plagued him throughout his career, making him one of the most unlikely potential starters on the roster.

“The only thing I could do was take care of myself,” Sieverson said. “I believed in myself that I could get the job done and contribute to the team at running back. I did my thing and let the chips fall where they may. Now we are here, and I have to shoulder some reasonability.”

When Bernard needed a break Sieverson filled in without a problem. He had a strong performance in the second half of last week’s game, rushing for 68 yards on 16 attempts.

However, this is different. Most of his opportunities have been brief or when the game was decided.

“It won’t be a normal week for me,” Sieverson said. “I’ll have some butterflies, but once the game gets going I’ll settle down. During the week, I did everything I could to get ready.”

Polk has a confidence edge because of experience in this situation, and understands what Sieverson felt in the buildup to today’s game.

He helped him through the early jitters, but noted that Sieverson carries himself in a mature way.

“It’s not nervousness, it’s anxious to see what’s going to go on for us,” Polk said. “It’s good to be nervous. I was super nervous last year. I’m sure my nerves are going to be jumping, but once we get out there we’ll be good. He looks confident. He knows what he’s doing.”

Riley has faith in both players to run and catch the ball. The big question is if they can pass block.

Since the Beavers like to throw the ball, it’s one of the main reasons Bernard plays so much.

For all the athletic gifts Polk has, his pass blocking has kept him out of the lineup.

“They both can take a step forward in that regard, and not in assignment,” Riley said. “They are pretty good. It’s physically taking on the guy one-on-one. They are pretty similar. I don’t think anybody has the edge.”

So it’s more than just running the ball. If Polk and Sieverson can’t block, quarterback Sean Canfield will have a long day.

And that has spelled trouble for the Beavers.