CSUN NOTEBOOK: CSUN DEALS WITH LINGERING EFFECTS OF OT LOSS.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

The hangover from Cal State Northridge's overtime loss was lingering.

CSUN coach Jeff Kearin said a few people on campus told him that players were depressed Monday. They had plenty of reason to be, considering they lost to Idaho State 31-30 in overtime. The Matadors (1-3) fell to 0-2 in the Big Sky Conference.

``Word on the street is that kids were down today,'' Kearin said. ``People said, `You've gotta get the team fired up. They're depressed.' I think that's a good thing. They should be. It shows they care.

``There's a little cloud hanging over all of us. But I still got up today because I love what I do more than anything else in the world. Sometimes, you need to be reminded what it is you're doing and to have fun.''

No one was having fun after the Matadors lost their second consecutive home game. CSUN drove 70 yards and scored with a minute left to tie the game and send it to overtime. CSUN matched Idaho State with a touchdown in overtime but kicker Derek Brown missed the PAT.

Players can't dwell on the loss. They certainly don't have time to dwell on it. CSUN plays Weber State Thursday in Ogden, Utah. Players participated in a full practice Monday - usually an off day - and they'll leave for Utah on Wednesday.

``No one should give up,'' Kearin said. ``We can't give up on each other and what we're trying to accomplish. I'm not going to let that happen. The bottom line is that we've got to enjoy what we're doing and have fun. The only way to be successful is to work hard and enjoy it.''

A win would go a long way toward making that possible.

--Kicking competition: Brown and punter Ethan Beck both were solid Monday. Both made all their kicks. Brown kicked last year and all four games this season but he made only 7 of 10 PATs and just 2 of 4 field goals. Saying no one's job is safe, Kearin is considering using Beck.

``I'll do anything they ask me to do,'' Beck said. ``If it's better for the team, I'll do it but I'm not trying to take anybody's job. Derek is a friend and a good kicker.''

Usually, Brown took about 70 percent of the repetitions in practice while Beck had about 30 percent. But Kearin split the repititions this week. Kearin said he still doesn't know who will start Thursday but he was glad Brown kicked well.

``I talked to Derek today and he's fine,'' Kearin said. ``The hardest kick of his life was the first one (in practice) today. Everyone was probably looking at him with a little more scrutiny. If you didn't know (about Saturday's miss), you wouldn't have known by looking at him. (The first) kick was right down the pipe. I would've been disappointed if it had been any other way.''

Beck kicked in one game two years ago and also kicked in high school at Bakersfield Highland. Beck wasn't aware he may start Thursday but he said he'll be ready if .

``I'd be as comfortable as I can be,'' Beck said.

--Allen quits: Offensive lineman Mike Allen, who played in two games, quit the team Monday. Allen played against Northern Arizona and Idaho State after waiting for eligibilty issues to clear up. Allen quit for personal reasons.

--Amerson's status: Sophomore receiver Drew Amerson is expected to start Thursday. Amerson missed two games with a hyperextended right knee. Amerson was cleared to play against Idaho State but coaches held him out for precautionary measures.

--Alumni gathering: Northridge alumni interested in watching CSUN play Weber State Thursday are invited to Weber's Place at 19312 Vanowen (near the corner of Tampa and Vanowen). The game will be televised live on Fox Sports West. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:37 p.m.