CSUN NOTEBOOK: INJURIES TO STARTERS ON OFFENSIVE LINE ADD TO CSUN'S WOES.

The recent slew of injuries to the Cal State Northridge football team has taken its toll, particularly on the offensive line.

On Wednesday, the Matadors learned senior Keith Kincaid, who'd started every game of his career, and Ashcon Madjid were out for the season.

So the backups will be counted on when the Matadors travel to Texas to play Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.

``It hurt us, but we've got a lot of good guys to go in there,'' offensive line coach Chris Sulages said. ``They're just inexperienced.''

And that might pose a big problem. Even with Kincaid and Madjid, the Matadors ran for just 4 yards and quarterback Marcus Brady was sacked six times in a 30-17 loss to Northern Arizona in the season opener.

``It's a big loss with Ashcon and Keith gone, but other guys have gotta step up,'' Brady said.

Isaac Aronson is expected to start at left guard for Kincaid and Ben Holt will start at right tackle for Madjid.

The Matadors already have lost seven starters (six to injury and one who quit) and have played just one game. Madjid broke his foot during practice Tuesday. CSUN coach Jeff Kearin doesn't seem particularly worried since Aronson and Holt have plenty of practice playing time.

``They've taken reps all through camp,'' Kearin said. ``Obviously the loss of players like Ashcon Madjid and Keith Kincaid is devastating. There's a lot of experience in those two guys. But there's a group of guys right there ready to go. It's a huge area of concern, but I haven't lost any sleep over it. It's a concern because it's an unknown. I'm sure they'll be fine. They've worked hard in the offseason and deserve the opportunity.''

--Injury update: Linebacker Cos Abercrombie, who had surgery to remove the meniscus in his right knee last week, will make the trip to Texas but isn't likely to play. Wide receiver Jamal Perry (shoulder) will travel and is listed as probable.

--Game, anyone? Because the Division I-AA playoffs were extended another week by the NCAA, Kearin is looking for a game for Nov. 24, Thanksgiving weekend. The Matadors were content to play a 10-game schedule after last week's game against Southwest Texas State was canceled but now have an opportunity to schedule another game. CSUN had already used its bye, so Southwest Texas State has already scheduled another game.

Because of travel costs and the fact that they're already playing eight road games, the Matadors are looking for a home game. Kearin said he and athletic director Dick Dull are starting to make calls.

``I want to get in the extra game,'' Kearin said. ``I think the kids deserve it. I can't predict the future, but if we're in a situation where we can get into the playoffs, we're going to need 11 games.''

--Mixing it up: The Matadors were running a play in practice this week in which receiver Anthony Ramos takes a handoff and throws a pass to Brady, who caught touchdown passes his freshman and sophomore years from a receiver.