CSUN NOTEBOOK: LACK OF INTENSITY BOTHERS CORNERBACK.

Byline: Brian Dohn Daily News Staff Writer

Donnell Day is concerned and he doesn't mind saying so.

Cal State Northridge was two days from a game that can keep its Big Sky title hopes alive, a Saturday matchup at No. 23 Weber State, and the senior cornerback didn't see an urgency on the practice field.

``It could be a lot better,'' Day said after Thursday's practice. ``We know that we're contending, but we have to work hard. I think the two games that we were defeated kind of have the players thinking, `Can we do it, or not?' We know we can do it, but the morale is down somewhat and practices have been average.''

Before CSUN (4-3, 3-2 Big Sky) lost at Sacramento State and to Montana State in the last two weeks, everybody was upbeat. But Day said during this week of practice, in which the hitting was curtailed, the intensity has been lacking.

``Everybody's thinking about Weber, but we have to show it,'' Day said. ``I don't think we'll show it before Weber. Our team is quiet a few days before games and then when the game starts, we get explosive.''

Mageo brothers at CSUN? CSUN junior defensive lineman Jacob Mageo is obviously thinking about Weber State, but he also can't help but look toward next season.

Mageo said his brother Jason, a 6-foot, 240-pound defensive end at Oregon State, plans on transferring to CSUN in January. He'll use his last year of eligibility to play with the Matadors next season.

``He can't wait to come over here,'' Jacob Mageo said. ``I think we're both looking forward to playing on the same d-line.''

Jason Mageo is redshirting this year at Oregon State.

Surprise, surprise: The Matadors were scheduled to leave campus today at 5:45 a.m., but a surprise player didn't make the trip. Ponciano said freshman linebacker Lewis Blanton, who moved into a starting spot when Cos Abercrombie was injured in the second game of the season, will remain home.

``He's not getting it done,'' Ponciano said. ``I have to bring the guys who do the job.''

Also not making the trip is defensive lineman Troy Loggins and left tackle Mike Barnes. Instead, freshman Geoff Watson is expected to make his first start.

CSUN food drive: CSUN will hold a food drive prior to the Nov. 7 game against Portland State at North Campus Stadium. Any fan contributing two or more nonperishable food items will receive one free ticket to the game. There is a two-ticket limit. Contributions may also be dropped off at the Daily News, at Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, the CSUN athletic department or at North Campus Stadium.