Bernard says he'll be ready for bowl game

Yvenson Bernard does not plan to be a spectator in his final game wearing an Oregon State uniform.

The senior tailback expects to be in the lineup Dec. 28 when the Beavers play Maryland in the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco.

Yvenson Bernard had arthroscopic knee surgery Nov. 20, missed the Civil War, and has not participated in bowl practices.

"The knee is a lot better," Yvenson Bernard said Wednesday. "I haven't really practiced with the team, but I've done a lot on the side, working with the trainers, getting that knee ready and other muscles around the knee."

Despite missing the USC (shoulder sprain) and Oregon games, Yvenson Bernard still put together his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season (1,037 yards, 12 touchdowns).

He has not played since the Washington State game Nov. 17.

"It's going to be a real emotional game and that's why I'm going to push myself to make sure I get back because I don't want to miss my last college game," Yvenson Bernard said. "That would hurt more than anything I can think about right now.

"I'm going to try and play my best game and enjoy playing one more game with my team."

In Yvenson Bernard's absence, Matt Sieverson of Bend ran for 142 yards and one touchdown in the Beavers' 38-31 double overtime victory at Oregon.

The active rushing leader in the Pac-10 with 3,685 yards, Yvenson Bernard is second in school history behind Ken Simonton, and No. 10 on the Pac-10 career list.

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