For Openers, It’s Blue on Blue

Only a few months removed from the Big West Conference, Cal State Northridge running back Melvin Blue is about to get one more taste of it.

When the Matadors open the season with a nonconference game at Division I-A Boise State on Saturday night, Blue will return to the blue artificial turf at Bronco Stadium.

Blue, a senior, played at Big West member Utah State the last three years. The Aggies lost to Cincinnati, 35-19, in the Humanitarian Bowl at Bronco Stadium on Dec. 29, 1997.

“I’ll feel comfortable playing on that turf,” he said.

Blue helped the Aggies defeat Boise State, 24-20, last season in Logan, Utah. He carried 14 times for 66 yards and two touchdowns, putting the home crowd in a festive mood.

He is not expecting a welcome wagon at Boise State.

“They’ve got some boisterous fans, a lot of hecklers,” Blue said of the Broncos. “They know me so I’m expecting them to get on me. But it’s fun. I laugh at most of it.”

Blue, an All-Big West selection last season after rushing for 741 yards and nine touchdowns, said he hopes to answer the crowd quietly.

“You talk with your feet,” he said. “That’s all you can do.”

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Senior outside linebacker Shayne Blakey, who was listed as a starter on the depth chart for the game at Boise State, is not making the trip because he’s still bothered by a hamstring injury suffered in camp.

Linebackers coach Ken Singleton said Jack Heaslet, a transfer from Hancock College, is replacing Blakey. Freshman Lewis Blanton is backing up Heaslet.

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The Matadors are seeking new or used personal computers and word processors for a computer lab-study hall Coach Ron Ponciano hopes to have up and running soon on the south end of the clubhouse.

“We still need to put in a ceiling and some electrical outlets,” Ponciano said. “It’ll be a nice place for the guys to do their [school] work.”

Anyone interested in donating equipment should contact Ponciano at (818) 677-2160.

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Northridge’s games will not be broadcast over the Cable Radio Network. The games will be carried live on KCSN-FM (88.5).