CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE FOOTBALL: A QUESTION OF ATTITUDE : HOW COMMON OPPONENTS HANDICAP CSUN-SACRAMENTO GAME

Bob Shoup

CAL LUTHERAN COACH

Lost to Northridge, 17-3

Lost to Sacramento, 18-17

COMMENT:

“It looks like Sacramento might have peaked at the middle of the season. Northridge was struggling a little a few weeks ago, but seems to have really come on lately. Sacramento’s kicking game is not very good and Northridge’s defense is a little bit better.”

PREDICTION:

Northridge by a field goal

RICK BOJACK

SOUTHERN UTAH ASSISTANT

Defeated Northridge, 49-20

Lost to Sacramento, 48-31

COMMENT:

“They’re similar teams. Usually in a close game, the team that makes the fewest mistakes wins. Sacramento turns the ball over and Northridge hasn’t, but my gut feeling says Sacramento will win even though I think Northridge probably has the better team.”

PREDICTION:

Sacramento by a touchdown

POKEY ALLEN

PORTLAND STATE COACH

Lost to Northridge, 34-0

Lost to Sacramento, 52-20

COMMENT:

“Both teams beat us up with their offensive lines. I thought when Sacramento played us, they were the best team in the league, but they have some injuries and have struggled lately. Northridge is on a roll. Sacramento is at home where they’re very tough to beat so that will make it close. If Northridge was at home, they’d win by more.”

PREDICTION:

Northridge by a touchdown

DAVE GROSZ

CAL POLY SAN LUIS OBISPO ASSISTANT

Lost to Northridge, 21-20

Defeated Sacramento, 26-6

COMMENT:

“Sacramento is very physical, but they made a lot of mistakes against us. Northridge doesn’t beat themselves. Both teams run the ball real well, but I think Northridge’s defense is capable of shutting down Sacramento.”

PREDICTION:

Northridge by less than a field goal

TERRY MALLEY

SANTA CLARA COACH

Lost to Northridge, 38-32

Lost to Sacramento, 38-7

COMMENT:

“You have to like the way Northridge is playing right now. They played a great game defensively last week and their offense controls the ball. The game will be decided in the lines and I think Northridge’s defense is a little better than Sacramento’s.”

PREDICTION:

Northridge by a field goal

JIM SOCHOR

UC DAVIS COACH

Defeated Northridge, 25-20

Defeated Sacramento, 29-6

COMMENT:

“Sacramento has a couple of top-notch running backs in Rob Harrison and Don Hair, but I think I’d rather have Kane of Northridge than both of those guys. Sacramento had trouble running against us and they’ll have trouble against Northridge. Kane can run against anybody.”

PREDICTION:

Northridge by two touchdowns