Baldwin Playing the Same Old Tune

The Cal State Northridge football team is good. Stick that on your bulletin board, Coach.

Northridge Coach Dave Baldwin has been inspiring his team with the old we-don’t-get-any-respect stuff all year. That was certainly true a month ago, but is it now?

Northridge’s 4-2 record includes a victory over a Division I-A team (New Mexico State) and a top 25 I-AA team (Weber State), both on the road. Northridge is among national leaders in several categories. The Matadors are ranked 28th in the Division I-AA poll.

Said Montana State Coach Cliff Hysell, whose team comes to North Campus Stadium on Saturday: “[Northridge] is a very good football team. They have really changed the complexion of that program in a hurry.”

Said Northern Arizona Coach Steve Axman: “They can become a power in our league.”

Of course, Baldwin doesn’t want to hear this. And he certainly doesn’t want his players to hear it.

Baldwin has found a way to make his team the underdog this week against Montana State (2-3).

“Montana State beat Idaho State,” he said, “and [Idaho State] is ranked ahead of us [25th].”

OK, Dave. Whatever.