Prospects sketchy; Bernard will likely want to play in Civil War

There's no doubt Yvenson Bernard will want to play for Oregon State in the Civil War next weekend, the question is whether he should.

Yvenson Bernard had his right knee scoped on Tuesday, after sitting out the second half of the Beavers' 52-17 win over Washington State in their last game. Oregon State (7-4, 5-3 Pacific-10) had a bye this weekend.

Coach Mike Riley said the surgery was to fix a flap in the knee that was causing some irritation.

"It's questionable at best for his return in time for the Civil War," Riley said. "We feel better about his chances to play in our bowl game. But, we're talking about Yvenson Bernard, so I won't rule out anything at this point."

Yvenson Bernard, a senior, has rushed for 3,685 career yards, second most in Oregon State history and 10th on the Pac-10 career list.

He has rushed for 1,037 yards this season, for a 103.7-yard average per game, with 12 touchdowns.

Riley said a decision about Yvenson Bernard's status will be made after consultation with team doctors.

Yvenson Bernard's is the latest injury to beset the Beavers this season.

Quarterback Sean Canfield hasn't been able to throw since injuring his shoulder Nov. 3 against USC, meaning backup Lyle Moevao could get his third consecutive start Dec. 1 against rival Oregon. Moevao is 2-0 subbing for Canfield.

The Beavers also list starting defensive end Dorian Smith (sprained knee) as questionable for the game. Offensive guard Jeremy Perry (broken fibula), safety Daniel Drayton (strained groin) and cornerback Keenan Lewis (knee sprain) are all starters who have battled injuries lately, though all are likely to play.

Earlier, the Beavers lost receiver and punt returner Sammie Stroughter for the season because of a bruised kidney.

Ninth-ranked Oregon (8-2, 5-2), which faces UCLA at the Rose Bowl Saturday, has been hit hard by injuries, too.

Most notable was the loss of Heisman Trophy hopeful Dennis Dixon. The senior quarterback tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Oregon's 35-23 victory over Arizona State, but tried to play in the Ducks' 34-24 loss to Arizona last Thursday.

He will require surgery, and the Ducks are playing out the rest of the season with Brady Leaf.

Oregon has also lost linebacker John Bacon, backup tailback Jeremiah Johnson and starting wideouts Brian Paysinger and Cameron Colvin for the season.

Oregon could be playing for the Pac-10 title and a Rose Bowl berth when they host the Beavers in the 111th Civil War.

Oregon State has won five of its last six games after a 2-3 start. Last season the Beavers bounced back from a 2-3 start to win seven of its last eight.

"I love that part of it," he said. "I really, really appreciate that in a team. No matter how you start, whether it's 4-0 or 0-4, you can basically create an identity for yourself that is positive in how you finish."

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