Gazette-Times Reporter

Yvenson Bernard’s return to the lineup comes at the most opportune time.

For the Oregon State football team to win the game tonight, let alone move the ball, it will need its most productive player.

The senior tailback expects to play against Pacific-10 Conference foe Washington in Reser Stadium after sitting out the Nov. 3 game at Southern California to rest an injured left shoulder.

“I feel a lot better than last week,” Bernard said.

It’s the final home game of his career and the Beavers (5-4, 3-3) must have him do all the little things he brings to the game with starting quarterback Sean Canfield on the shelf with a similar injury.

With backup quarterback Lyle Moevao making his first career start behind a reworked offensive line, much of the offensive burden falls on to Bernard.

“We started the season with an inexperienced quarterback, so it’s the same thing again,” Bernard said. “I’m ready to go.”

He’ll need to carry the ball at least 25 times, catch the ball out of the backfield, pass protect and be the emotional leader.

Bernard has run for 814 yards and 10 touchdowns on 184 carries in eight games. He’s also the team’s top receiver with 32 catches for 153 yards and a score.

“He’s our go-to guy,” coach Mike Riley said. “When it gets tough, we give him the ball. For a football player, there’s no better respect than that.”

OSU’s game plan always begins with running the ball with a steady diet of Bernard to open up the passing game. If the Huskies (3-6, 1-6) can stop Bernard, Moevao won’t have an easy game.

He knows that, and is glad Bernard will be in the backfield.

“It’s like having another coach out there right behind you,” Moevao said. “If anything, it’s better than a coach. He can make plays. All you have to do is give him the ball. It’s going to be a lot more comforting having him back there.”

Running the ball might be the way to exploit Washington’s defense. It ranks last in the Pac-10 in stopping the run, allowing 202.9 a game. That translates into 5.1 yard an attempt.

Wearing the Huskies down has been the way to beat them. Points allowed a quarter dramatically increases later in the game. They have given up 40 points in the first quarter, and 101 in the fourth.

“It will be key to our game plan to get Yve the ball,” Moevao said. “It will certainly help me out in the passing game.”

Bernard will be taped up and have extra padding under his shoulder pads. As long as he can take the pain, he’ll keep going.

He has a high tolerance to pain, and toughing it out should inspire his teammates.

If he can’t play Matt Sieverson and Clinton Polk will be called on to take his place again.

“Matt and Clinton do a good job,” center Kyle DeVan said. “But having Yve back, he’s a big part of the offense. We missed him last week.”

All the factors in the game motivate Bernard. He wants to beat a northwest rival, get the team bowl eligible and finish his career with a victory at home.

Bernard is one of 23 senior players who will be honored before the game. The program has come a long way in their time with Bernard at the forefront.

“It’s kind of crazy, but at the same time I want to leave this game with a win — with that sixth win,” Bernard said. “The whole senior class knows how important it is. We remember coming out here on our (recruiting) trip, and saw how it looked and then how it changed so much. We definitely want to leave on a good note.”

Bernard has made an impact individually. He’s on his way to a third 1,000-yard rushing season and should rank high in several OSU and Pac-10 career offensive categories.

Riley considers him one of the top three all-around running backs he has coached. Even though Bernard is small and slow for NFL standards, he’s considered one of the top 20 available in his position in next year’s draft.

His future might be as a third-down back catching, blocking and occasionally running the ball.

Former OSU running back Steven Jackson is considered on of the best receivers out of the backfield in the NFL, and Riley rates Bernard’s hands better.

“He has made tremendous impact on our program and our school,” Riley said. “He’s a really fun guy to be around. He doesn’t have many bad days. His approach to life is special. He has earned his spot as a leader on our team. He is the heart-and-soul guy for us.”