Willamette Faces Pacific Lutheran in Battle of Nationally-Ranked Teams

Willamette Faces Pacific Lutheran in Battle of Nationally-Ranked Teams

Bearcats take on Lutes at 1:30 p.m. at McCulloch Stadium

By Timothy Walsh, Athletics Communications Writer

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University, ranked #21 by D3football.com and #19 by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), will take on Northwest Conference rival Pacific Lutheran, ranked #17 and #16, respectively on Saturday, Oct. 26 at McCulloch Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. (PDT).

Willamette enters the game 5-0 overall, 2-0 in the NWC, while PLU is 5-1, 2-1 in NWC play. The Lutes' only loss this year was a 29-0 defeat to Linfield College, ranked #2 by D3football.com and #3 by the AFCA, in a game that PLU trailed just 7-0 early in the fourth quarter.

Last week, the Bearcats defeated Lewis & Clark College 56-30 in the annual Wagon Wheel game. The Bearcats are averaging 49.6 points per game this year, good for sixth in the nation, while gaining 518.2 total yards per contest, which ranks ninth nationally.

You can follow all of the action between the Bearcats and the Lutes through a Live Video Webcast on the Bearcat Network. All of WU's football games in 2013 are being webcast, with veteran play-by-play man Mike Allegre on the call. Former Willamette player Mark Meek will provide color commentary.Live stats will also be available.

Additionally, postgame interviews will be uploaded to the Bearcat Network Video Page shortly after the game.

Senior cornerback Tyson Giza is one of Willamette's most versatile weapons. He leads the Bearcats in interceptions (4), passes defended (10), and pass breakups (6), and has returned seven kickoffs for 235 yards and a touchdown.