Matadors’ Game Film Earns Rage Reviews

On the day after, Cal State Northridge football coaches watched film of their crash and burn at Cal State Sacramento, much like FAA investigators pour over a black box.

“It took us over five hours [to dissect],” Coach Ron Ponciano said. “We broke it down and it was amazing. We messed up in every facet of the game.”

Northridge’s 35-21 loss to the lowly Hornets on Saturday was a study on dismal ball-handling, with the Matadors losing four of six fumbles, twice deep in their territory.

The Hornets, 5-24 in the last three years, turned one Northridge fumble and an interception into touchdowns.

They also slapped Northridge with a reality check, which Ponciano says the Matadors better heed.

Northridge (4-2, 3-1 in Big Sky Conference) hosts Montana State (4-2, 2-1) on Saturday and plays at Weber State (5-2, 3-1) on Oct. 31 in make-or-break games for the championship.

“I don’t think [the Matadors] will throw in the towel by any means,” Ponciano said.

How did Northridge coaches spend Monday, a practice off-day?

“Preparation and recovery,” Ponciano said. “Emotionally and physically.”

*

The revolving door on the Northridge offensive line continues.

Center Beau Cherry suffered a sprained ankle and left tackle Mike Barnes a sprained shoulder at Sacramento, and Ponciano said he’s uncertain about the availability of center Julio Alcala, whose mother died Friday.

“It doesn’t look like [Barnes] is going to hit all week,” Ponciano said. “It’s another never-ending saga for us with the offensive line, trying to get five guys to play.”

*

Somehow, Northridge is the highest-rated Big Sky team in the Sagarin Division I ratings.

The Matadors are No. 115 with a 59.48 rating, followed by No. 123 Montana State (57.52), No. 124 Eastern Washington (57.31) and No. 128 Weber State (56.56).

*

The Matadors dropped eight spots to No. 24 among Division I-AA teams in the Sports Network poll and nine rungs to No. 25 in the USA Today/ESPN poll.

Other Big Sky teams ranked are Weber State, No. 17 in both polls, and Montana State, No. 24 by USA Today/ESPN.