Bernard takes part in Beavers' practice

Senior tailback Yvenson Bernard participated Tuesday in his first practice since having arthroscopic knee surgery Nov. 20.

The second leading rusher in school history with 3,685 yards, Yvenson Bernard is expected to be in the starting lineup against Maryland.

He hasn't played since the Washington State game Nov. 17.

"I feel like I haven't played football in a year right now," Yvenson Bernard said. "It's been four weeks and I'm a little eager to get back on the playing field."

A HOT TEAM

OSU has been playing at a high level since starting 2-3 for the second year in a row.

Much like the 2006 squad that rebounded to win eight of its last nine games, including a dramatic 39-38 comeback victory against Missouri in the Sun Bowl, the Beavers bring plenty of momentum into the bowl game.

The memory of a thrilling 38-31 Civil War victory Dec. 1 in Eugene still is fresh.

It was the first time that a road team had won the Civil War since Oregon's victory in Corvallis in 1996.

"That game is over, but it brings momentum into the bowl game," senior linebacker Derrick Doggett said. "We keep coming out here and working hard."

THE OPPONENT

Despite a .500 record, Maryland of the Atlantic Coast Conference posted victories against two Top 25 teams this season. The Terrapins defeated then-No. 10 Rutgers and then-No. 8 Boston College on the road.

"They beat Boston College and Rutgers and a lot of other scores were really close games that should have been wins," sophomore quarterback Lyle Moevao said.

ODDS AND ENDS

The Beavers have won three consecutive bowl games, the longest active streak in the Pac-10.

OSU will be making its first Emerald Bowl appearance.

"We're going down to San Francisco and we're going to have a lot of fun," junior cornerback Brandon Hughes said. "But when game day happens, you know when the lights come on, the Beavs will show up."

The Beavers are scheduled to arrive Sunday in San Francisco.

Yvenson Bernard and senior cornerback Gerard Lawson have been added to the West roster for the Hula Bowl on Jan. 12 in Honolulu. Riley is the head coach of the West, and will be joined by offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf and defensive coordinator Mark Banker.

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