Backup running back rushes for 100 yards to help spark OSU

By Brooks Hatch
Corvallis Gazette-Times

CORVALLIS — The heart and soul of Oregon State’s offense was out with a sprained ankle that sidelined tailback Yvenson Bernard against third-ranked Southern California on Saturday.

So OSU got a transplant from junior backup Clinton Polk. He rushed for 100 yards on 22 carries and caught three passes for 16 yards in his first start and played a pivotal role in a 33-31 shocker over the Trojans at Reser Stadium.

Giant Killers, meet the Giant Filler.

Polk had gained 112 yards on 29 carries in five previous games. Bernard’s all-around talents, and Polk’s perceived blocking shortcomings, limited his playing time. Also, last Saturday at Arizona the 6-foot-2, 214-pound transfer from Desert Vista JC in Scottsdale, Ariz., was knocked woozy by a helmet-to-helmet hit that compressed his spine and forced a fumble.

Polk was an unlikely hero in OSU’s second victory over USC since 1967. But he did the dirty work between the tackles and on the edge, and ground out 46 yards on 10 carries in the fourth quarter to kill precious seconds when OSU was hanging on for dear life.

“We had to control the clock; we got control of it, kept moving the ball down the field. That’s what we needed,” to keep the Trojans’ offense off the field, Polk said.

Bernard told Polk he’d be starting on Saturday morning at the team hotel. Polk immediately got a butterfly infestation that lasted past kickoff.

“I threw up (on the sidelines) after my first series, but after throwing up I think was ready,” Polk said. “I just got my feet wet, and went from there.

“(Teammates and coaches) were in my ear, letting me know I was ready. They made me believe. They were a big part of me out there.”

OSU is 5-0 when its tailback gains 100 or more yards. Only five players had reached that milestone against the Trojans in the past 52 games, and they hit as advertised.

“They brought it, they brought it,” Polk confirmed, chuckling. “I took a shot last week versus Arizona that was pretty crucial, but I thought (USC) brought it pretty well. I just had to stay on my toes and bring it back.”

Added senior safety Sabby Piscitelli: “I told Clinton all week it was his time to shine. He’s such a great player, and he really showed it. SC, that’s no walk in the park. He really stepped up.”

Polk probably earned more playing time after Bernard returns, most likely against Arizona State on Nov. 4. It takes weeks of rest to completely recover from sprains, so expect to see more Polk in future games as OSU will be extra-careful with Bernard.

“I’m really proud of Clinton. This was a big game for him, and what he did for this team,” OSU coach Mike Riley said. “Every time you go in and produce you earn respect, and show (coaches and teammates) ‘We can rely on this guy.’ ”

Riley secretly hoped Bernard would make a miracle recovery and somehow play. But it was clear he couldn’t go.

“It wasn’t that close,” Riley said.

Added Piscitelli: “Yve is one of the toughest players I’ve been around. But seeing his facial expressions throughout the week — he’s one of my best friends — I knew it was going to be a long shot. I didn’t want him to try if he wasn’t at least 70 percent, and don’t know if he was but if he was he would have (played).

“It was hard for him to soak that up.”

Saturday vindicated Polk’s decision to turn down New Mexico, which needed a feature back to replace the graduated DonTrell Moore, for the Pac-10.

“It’s worth it,” he said. “New Mexico gave me grief for not signing, they told me they’ll watch me on the sidelines. But I guess they didn’t see me on the sidelines today.

“This let’s me know I can do it, gives me more confidence and motivation. Regardless of what my role is, I know I can do it.”