CORVALLIS -- A hint of timidity crept over Artavis Pierce before his first carry against Washington State.
Pierce, a junior running back who had missed Oregon State's previous three games with an injured left elbow, sported a large brace and non-contact jersey throughout practice last week. How would the elbow respond to his first live action since Sept. 8?
Any concerns were quickly abated as Pierce ran for 40 yards on eight carries -- including a 32-yard burst -- in the 56-37 loss. Pierce expects to share even more of the load with breakout star Jermar Jefferson when the Beavers return to action Oct.