Northridge Seeks to Bounce Back Against Montana State

Cal State Northridge will try to rid itself of the sting of last week’s defeat to Stephen F. Austin when it faces Montana State in a nonconference game at Bozeman, Mont.

The Matadors (0-2) appeared to have a certain victory only to blow a 27-6 lead in the fourth quarter in a 30-27 overtime loss.

In that defeat, quarterback Marcus Brady accounted for 480 yards of total offensive and wide receiver Anthony Ramos had a career game with eight catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

Under second-year Coach Mike Kramer, Montana State (1-2) is already improved after going winless in 11 games last season.

The Bobcats defeated Weber State on Sept. 8 but fell to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 34-6, last week.

Running back Ryan Johnson has averaged 106 yards but quarterback Tyler Thomas is completing only 46% of his passes and has been intercepted seven times.

The battered Matadors have already lost five players for the season, including starting offensive linemen Ashcon Madjid (broken foot) and Keith Kincaid (shoulder surgery), and free safety Travis Campbell (shoulder surgery).

Linebacker Cos Abercrombie is expected to play after sitting out last week with a knee injury.