COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY : Cal State Northridge vs. Northern Arizona

At Northern Arizona’s Walkup Skydome: 3 p.m.

The Matadors appear to have an arsenal of offensive weapons. The question is: Can the offensive line protect quarterback Sherdrick Bonner and tailback Albert Fann long enough to allow them to launch an attack? Bonner, a senior, passed for 1,817 yards last season and he has a plethora of fast and experienced receivers as targets. Then there is Fann (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), a senior who is considered a top candidate for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which annually is presented to the top player in NCAA Division II. Fann has accounted for 5,446 yards in rushing, receiving and kick returns in his Northridge career, and, with 3,172 rushing yards, he is only 400 shy of Mike Kane’s school record. Rodney Menzel (6-3, 250), CSUN’s left guard, is the only starter returning on the offensive line, which Coach Bob Burt describes as “talented but as yet untested.” On defense, Mario Hull (6-4, 225), Ken Wallace (6-3, 240), Ken Vaughn (6-2, 238) and Terrell Taylor (6-2, 220) form what should be the best crew of linebackers in many years. Tackle Tom Berry (6-4, 255) and free safety Clayton Bamberg (6-2, 205) also are defensive standouts back from last season’s 6-5 team. Northern Arizona, 3-8 last season, has a new coach--former UCLA assistant Steve Axman. Axman was the quarterback coach at Maryland last season, so look for John Bonds (6-4, 200), a transfer from Arizona State, to throw. And look for Julian Howard (5-11, 170), a sophomore, to catch--he grabbed 31 passes for 615 yards and three touchdowns last season. Tailback Anthony Simmons, who gained 95 yards in 31 carries in a reserve role last year, could lead the ground attack. The Lumberjacks’ starting fullback is Quinn Fauria (6-0, 205), a former Crespi High standout. A crowd of more than 8,000 is expected at Walkup Skydome. The game will be broadcast locally on KGIL (1260-AM), beginning with a 15-minute pregame show at 2:45 p.m.