CSUN NOTEBOOK: IF ALCALA OUT, TRY CHERRY PICK : FORMER STARTER LOGICAL CHOICE TO REJOIN LINE.

Byline: Brian Dohn Daily News Staff Writer

If Cal State Northridge center Julio Alcala has to miss a game for personal reasons, Beau Cherry isn't a terrible pick for a replacement. After all, Cherry did start the opener at Boise State before getting injured.

``Unless something remarkable happens in the next 12 hours, we're not planning on (Alcala) being here at all,'' CSUN offensive line coach Aron Gideon said. ``That's understandable.''

Gideon said he expects Cherry to start for the 16th-ranked Matadors (4-1, 3-0 Big Sky) Saturday at Sacramento State. Alcala has been at his San Diego home since Sunday with his family. His mother is extremely ill.

``I don't think we lose anything with Beau,'' Gideon said. ``It's just like when Joe Bergman was in and Mike (Barnes) couldn't play against Southern Utah. There's certain things this offense is based on.''

Of course, this doesn't help the continuity of an offensive line that's been mediocre, at best, this season. CSUN is last in the conference in rushing at 68.2 yards per game. It's also the fifth time in five opportunities the same five players won't start on the offensive line in consecutive weeks.

``I think me and Julio have similar styles of play,'' Cherry said. ``We're both a little bit light in the butt. Our game isn't more of a power game, it's more of a speed game. I'm a little bit shorter (6-foot-2) so maybe I can get under people.''

Tom Gomez and Bergman will battle for the backup spot the rest of the week.

One good bit of news regarding the offensive line is the return of Tim Shoffeitt, who missed Tuesday's practice.

Loggins some time: Two weeks ago Troy Loggins was moved from offensive line to nose guard and he's made a quick impact. So much so that CSUN coach Ron Ponciano will bring the 6-foot-2, 325-pound Loggins to Sacramento State.

``He had a good week and I know he'll get it done in the game,'' Ponciano said. ``Troy has been a real pleasant surprise. . . . He's the first guy off the line, he's 330 pounds or whatever, so I like what I see. Troy is going to get reps against Sac State.''

Secondary concern: The secondary is the deepest part of CSUN's defense, but it is a little gimpy. Cornerback Chazz Moore has had limited practice all week because of an ankle problem and safety Jeremy Golden continues to miss portions of practice because of various injuries.

Both will play against Sacramento State, but during Wednesday's practice, backup safety Hassan Abdul-Malik, whom the coaching staff likes, injured his ankle and will be further evaluated today.

Call Lawn Doctor: CSUN's turf gurus were out in force Wednesday looking at the patchy field of North Campus Stadium, trying to figure out what to do to make it look presentable for homecoming Oct. 24.

``I think they're talking about patching it, putting some lime down and maybe getting some green grass,'' Ponciano said.

Of course, there will be a few soccer games played on the field before next week's football game.