Playing Status of Marsalek, Woods, Proffer Is Doubtful

Three Cal State Northridge football players who were expected to be ready for this week’s game have had their status dropped to doubtful by Coach Dave Baldwin.

Running back Chad Marsalek, who originally was listed as questionable but was expected to play, is still out because of a sprained right ankle and did not practice Tuesday.

Linebackers James Woods (sprained right ankle) and Robby Proffer (sprained right knee) were listed as probable early Tuesday, but neither was able practice Tuesday afternoon.

Northridge also will be without defensive lineman Mike Greslie (left shoulder fracture) for three more weeks.

The only previously injured player expected back for Saturday’s game is offensive tackle James Romero, who had been out because of a sprained medial collateral ligament.

With Marsalek likely out, the running back duties again will be split by junior Norman Clarke and freshman Jeramie Thomas, a converted receiver. Thomas opened eyes with his 92-yard performance Saturday, but Baldwin is still only cautiously optimistic about Thomas.

Thomas still doesn’t know the running offense very well, Baldwin said, and he also took advantage of some wide holes Saturday.

“One of those holes I think Coach Baldwin could have run through,” Baldwin said.

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Northridge’s passing offense has climbed to the top of the Division I-AA charts. Northridge averages 302.2 yards a game. Quarterback Aaron Flowers is second in the nation in total offense, averaging 297.2 yards. He is 13th in passing efficiency with a rating of 140.53. . . . Freshman Tayari Ferrell’s interception in the end zone Saturday was a nice turnaround for the cornerback because he had been burned for a critical 48-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against Northern Arizona a week earlier. . . . Franck Pace, a reserve linebacker who’s not even in the Northridge media guide, was thrust into the lineup because of injuries and made an impact. He had an interception, a sack and eight tackles. He was Northridge’s nominee for Big Sky Conference defensive player of the week.