What happened: No. 16 Wake Forest will start quarterback Steele Pizzella on Saturday against Merrimack. Regular starter Gio Lopez is being held out as a precaution. Lopez is slated to return for next week's road matchup at SMU.

Why it matters: At 7-1 and ranked No. 16 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, Wake Forest controls its path in the ACC championship race. Holding Lopez out against an FCS opponent protects the starting quarterback ahead of critical conference games. A win keeps the Demon Deacons in position for both a league title appearance and playoff consideration.

What to watch: Wake Forest travels to Dallas next Saturday for a crucial ACC road test against SMU, where Lopez is expected back under center.