Bernard benefitted from Beavers’ plan

CORVALLIS, Ore. – To protect him from injury, Yvenson Bernard had been held out of Oregon State’s preseason scrimmages.

After shredding Utah’s defense for 165 yards and a two touchdowns in the Beavers’ 24-7 opening night win Thursday, Bernard explained why that was a good idea.

“You can see what our defense does to opponents,” the senior tailback said.

The Utes, held to 18 rushing yards, certainly did. They lost their top two offensive weapons – quarterback Brian Johnson (separated shoulder) and tailback Matt Asiata (broken leg) – before the end of the first half.

Between Bernard’s hard rushing and a stingy defense that allowed just 196 offensive yards, Beavers coach Mike Riley could afford to take his time deciding between sophomore quarterbacks Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao.

Canfield (8 of 19 for 87 yards and one touchdown) seemed to have the better night. Moevao was 3 of 9 for 32 yards with an interception, but he played less and did lead the Beavers on a scoring drive that Bernard capped with a 9-yard touchdown run.

Riley wasn’t ready to pronounce anyone the starter yet.

“Both quarterbacks had their moments,” he said. “Obviously, both of them can do better.”

Bernard was Oregon State’s workhorse, carrying the ball 29 times for a 5.7-yard average. With the quarterback situation appearing unresolved and with third-team All-American Sammie Stroughter’s future with the team unclear, Bernard likely will continue to carry the Beavers’ fate.

While Oregon State (1-0) has both momentum and optimism as it travels to Cincinnati for a nationally televised game Thursday night, Utah is looking for Plan B.

Asiata’s season is over and Johnson, who redshirted last year with an ankle injury and shouldered many of the hopes the Utes had for the season, is out at least three weeks, the team said Friday.

“We lost Brian, we lost Matt, and we had to have some guys step up but we didn’t respond,” Utah coach Kyle Wittingham said after the game.

Backup quarterback Tommy Grady had nine completions for 24 yards and the Utes managed just 62 yards of offense after Johnson left late in the second quarter.

“The sky’s the limit to what (the Beavers’ defense) can do if we continue to work hard and make sure we are detailed in what we do,” cornerback Brandon Hughes said.