Whitworth at Willamette

KICKOFF: 2 p.m. at McCulloch Stadium, Salem, Ore.

Records: Whitworth 2-2, Willamette 3-1

Radio: 1230-AM

Overview: It won’t take long for the Pirates to see where they stack up in the Northwest Conference. Today’s NWC opener comes against defending champion Willamette and next week Whitworth entertains eighth-ranked Linfield. No. 18 Willamette dropped its opener but bounced back with three straight wins, including a 52-7 drubbing of La Verne. Whitworth beat La Verne 21-9. The Bearcats lead the NWC in sacks (16), scoring defense (14.8 points), total defense (277.8 yards) and rushing offense (219.2 yards). Whitworth’s Adam Anderson (ankle) was limited in practice, but hopes to play for the first time since the opening kickoff in Week 2.