VALLEY / VENTURA COUNTY SPORTS : NORTHRIDGE NOTEBOOK : Matadors Will Try to Catch the Wind in Kansas Matchup

The first of two games this season against a Division I-A opponent has Cal State Northridge up and running during practice.

The Matadors closed their workout Wednesday with about 10 wind sprints and a few players could be seen doubling over.

Practice closed with a chant of “Beat Kansas!”

The Matadors play at Kansas on Saturday.

“I think we’re going to win,” said Jeff Kearin, Northridge interim coach.

Kearin didn’t say it with a straight face.

Northridge figures to be in deep against the Jayhawks, who lost their opener against Notre Dame, 48-13. But the agreement, signed last February, guarantees Northridge $200,000 in gate receipts.

Northridge plays Southern Methodist on Nov. 13 in the Cotton Bowl at Dallas, a matchup for which the Matadors will pocket $100,000.

“There’s no question, this is a tremendous opportunity for this program,” Kearin said.

*

Quarterback Marcus Brady is limping slightly from an ankle sprain suffered Saturday against Western Oregon.

The injury ins not expected to keep him sidelined against Kansas.

Still, backup Josh Fiske took extra snaps in practice Wednesday and Brady was held out of wind sprints.

*

Free safety Hassan Abdul-Malik is out for at least two weeks after aggravating a recurring hamstring injury against Western Oregon.

Abdul-Malik came to the sidelines in the first quarter and did not return. He has not practiced this week.

Rahman Sparks will replace Abdul-Malik and Steve Forte will play strong safety.

*

Cornerback Mel Miller and guard Taffe Aina continue to await word regarding their academic status and neither will travel with the team this weekend.

Miller, a transfer from Washington State, was a starter last season.

Aina was ineligible last season after being selected Matador offensive rookie of the year in 1997.

Guard Ernie Fierro will not travel this weekend. Fierro suffered a stinger against Western Oregon.

Linebacker Jason Mageo suffered a calf injury Wednesday and did not return to practice.

*

The game at Kansas’ 50,000-seat Memorial Stadium will be the Matadors’ first of two games this season on artificial turf.

Northridge will play on artifical turf at Portland State on Nov. 6.

Last season, Northridge was 1-2 in games played on artificial turf.