Matadors Try to Rebuild Defensive Line on the Run

When Quinton Reed is right, he is right.

Recapping Cal State Northridge’s 48-41 Big Sky Conference loss Saturday night at Eastern Washington, Reed, a senior nose guard for the Matadors, spoke for his teammates.

“We were terrible,” Reed said.

Particularly on Reed’s side of the line of scrimmage. Eastern Washington rolled up 456 yards rushing. Already, Northridge has allowed a total of 923 yards rushing in three games. They’ve also given up 138 points.

Consequently, the Matadors are spending the week shoring up their front in preparation for Idaho State, which Northridge plays Saturday at North Campus Stadium.

The most significant move involves linebacker Brennen Swanson, who will line up at defensive end. Swanson, who needs one-half sack to tie the school record of 20 sacks in a career, played defensive line for the Matadors in 1997.

Reed said pride should also play a role.

“We’re tightening it up on the run defense,” Reed said. “We were embarrassed. That game made it look like anyone in the conference can run all over us.”

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Idaho State spoiled the Matadors’ bid for a Big Sky title last season with a 32-29 season-ending loss at Pocatello.

Though the season is young, Northridge (1-2, 0-1 in conference play) already finds itself in a must-win situation, and against the Bengals (2-2, 0-2).

“We won’t be looking past them,” said Jeff Kearin, the Matadors’ interim coach. “Last year, Idaho state played their best game of the year. And we played as bad as we could.”

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Fullback Jaumal Bradley, sidelined against Eastern Washington because of tonsillitis, is doubtful Saturday’s game. Kearin said surgery is becoming likely.

Bradley, who leads Northridge with 198 yards and two touchdowns, has not practiced this week.

DeJuan Gilmore and Alan Taylor will split time at running back.

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Taylor, a redshirt freshman from Yucaipa, drove from the parking lot after practice Wednesday in his gold Honda Civic, the one that was stolen from outside his dormitory in August.

“The police found it by the side of a road,” said guard Tim Shoffeitt, Taylor’s roommate.

“They stole his stereo. But he has wheels again.”

Taylor ranks second on the team with 126 yards rushing.

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Junior Paul D’Ambra was selected Big Sky golfer of the week after he tied for third at two-under-par 142 on Monday and Tuesday in the Portland State Viking Intercollegiate.

Northridge (598) tied for sixth.