TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University football team returns home to Sparks Stadium this Saturday, meeting Northwest Conference rival Pacific University with kickoff set for 12:30 p.m.
 
The Lutes (1-2, 0-1 NWC) return home after opening conference play last weekend, falling 28-21 to crosstown rival University of Puget Sound in overtime. 
 
Senior defensive back Matt Anthony, an Honorable Mention All-NWC selection last season, is coming off a strong game last weekend accruing 10 tackles and one pass breakup and plans to continue that dominance this Saturday. 
 
"We don't treat any game different, always going back to basics and 2+2=4 which is playing good, sound, fundamental football," said Anthony.  
 
Keeping that equation in mind has made Anthony one of the most consistent defenders on the field. He leads the team and ranks fifth in the conference in both tackles per game (8.3) and sacks (three). 
 
Anthony is pursuing degrees in accounting and finance and plans to work in the public accounting sector. Despite football and senior capstone, he still finds time to enjoy Applebee's "half price apps" on Wednesday nights with his teammates. 
 
"I don't want it to end. I'm looking forward to enjoying these six weeks of guaranteed football," Anthony says of his final football season. 
 
He points to a successful new coaching staff transition as part of the Lutes' team chemistry and drive. 
 
"One aspect that hasn't changed from the old system to this year is the comradery we have, that has been the most fun. This is the most fun year I have had playing football, ever," says Anthony. 
 
Oct. 6: PLU vs. Pacific at Sparks Stadium (12:30 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Boxers have met 44 times on the gridiron with Pacific Lutheran enjoying a 30-11-3 edge in the all-time series. PLU is 5-3 since Pacific revived its football program in 2010, falling 24-20 last season in Forest Grove, Oregon. 
 
About the Boxers: Pacific (2-2, 1-0 NWC) dropped its opening two games of the season but has since won two straight, including a 19-13 overtime win over George Fox University in the NWC opener. The Boxers trailed 13-3 late in the third quarter before Cole Thomas returned a fumble 52 yards for a touchdown. Pacific sent the game to overtime with a 26-yard field goal with less than a minute left and tallied the win with JT Greenough hitting Ty Hargis for a six-yard touchdown. 
 
Pacific heads to Sparks Stadium averaging 199.2 passing yards a game and just 23.2 rushing yards/game.