CSUN READY TO ROCK.

Byline: Paul Arnett Special to the Daily News

Cal State Northridge is like an American band.

The Matadors are on the second stop of their well-reviewed whirlwind tour. Opening night was a 63-23 victory last weekend over Boise State, a show-stopping way to begin a three-game Division I road trip.

The Northridge players discovered, within hours after touching down late Thursday morning, that Hawaii in September is nicer than Boise, Idaho, anytime. The shores of Waikiki provided the proper blend of rest and relaxation after a grueling practice.

The Northridge team held a light workout Friday morning at Aloha Stadium in preparation for Saturday night's nonconference game with Hawaii. After practice, first-year head coach Jim Fenwick took them just down the street to Pearl Harbor for a history lesson they won't soon forget.

``When you come to Hawaii, it's hey, what's going on with the past, Pearl Harbor and history?'' offensive lineman Paul Sauter said. ``It makes you feel special and really opens your eyes to know that for America, World War II began right out there.''

Coaches, players and friends of the families watched a short documentary film before taking the 10-minute ferry ride to the Arizona Memorial. For Fenwick, it was the perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon.

``I like to do these things,'' Fenwick said. ``I think it's good for the kids to branch out and get a little education. You want to get away from football and allow these kids to experience what Hawaii has to offer. It's one reason we came here.''

The other was to win a football game - something quarterback Aaron Flowers hadn't lost sight of, despite the beautiful surroundings.

``This is the third time I've been to Hawaii, so I know what to expect,'' Flowers said. ``We're going to enjoy ourselves off the field, but once we're on it, it's all football. We came here to get our second win of the season.''

So far, the travel and three-hour time change haven't detracted from that goal. The players also tested stamina in the noon walkthrough, and half pretended to be the NFL stars taking part in an imaginary Pro Bowl game.

``Some of the greatest players ever have been on this field,'' sophomore receiver Aaron Arnold said. ``You feel like you want to belong with them.''

``I really enjoy getting out on the road. Playing in places like Hawaii allows our school to network. Nobody has really heard of us. We're like football ambassadors who are going to let people know that we have a good football team in Northridge.''

You won't get any argument from the Hawaii coaching staff. Second-year head coach Fred vonAppen and Co. have tried all week to keep their players' minds on the task at hand.

Yes, Hawaii upset Minnesota last week. And yes, Northridge is a Division I-AA program that offers half as many scholarships. But the Rainbows were only 2-10 last season and can't forget a haughty spirit can lead to a fall.

``We like being considered an underdog,'' top returning Northridge tackler Marc Goodson said. ``It makes it fun to prove people wrong. Coming to Hawaii is great and all, but when it's football, it's football.''

``Before going to the beach on Thursday, we had a really good practice. And the thing about Hawaii is, when it's night, the beach goes away and it feels like home. I guess you could say we're like a rock band. I know I'm looking forward to rocking in front of 35,000 people Saturday night and showing them what Northridge football is all about.''

CSUN`S BIG ADVENTURE

Hawaii took a 17-14 halftime lead against CSUN in Saturday's game in Honolulu. The game finished after the Daily News went to press. For complete coverage see Monday's Daily News.