Official NWC Release

TACOMA, Wash. — The Northwest Conference unveiled its preseason coaches' poll for the sport of football on Wednesday with Pacific Lutheran University picked fourth. 
 
The Lutes (5-5, 4-3 NWC) generated 30 points in the poll to rank fourth overall in a tight poll that had just three points separating third from fifth.
 
Linfield University is installed as the preseason favorite, generating 49 points and seven of the eight first place endorsements. Reigning NWC Champion Whitworth University is second with 43 points and the remaining first place vote.
 
George Fox University is third with 31 points with the Lutes one point back in fourth. Lewis & Clark College is fifth with 28 points. Pacific University ranks sixth with 20 points followed by University of Puget Sound in seventh (16 points) and Willamette University in eighth (seven points).
 
The Lutes open the year in California against Simpson University and begin NWC play against Whitworth on Oct. 5 in a homecoming tilt at Sparks Stadium.