The Wake Forest football team hopes to win the ACC this season. The Demon Deacons are making a big move on Saturday, ahead of a game against Merrimack.

“Sources: No. 16 Wake Forest will start Steele Pizzella against Merrimack today. They are holding starter Gio Lopez out of precaution, and he’ll be available to start at SMU next week,” ESPN's Pete Thamel posted to X, formerly Twitter.

Lopez has been banged up recently and Wake Forest is monitoring the situation.

“Dealing with a lower-body injury and is not viewed as anything long-term,” On3's Pete Nakos posted to X.

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Wake Forest has been a big surprise this season in the ACC. The Demon Deacons are 7-1 overall, and ranked. Wake Forest has won five games in a row.

This story will be updated.