Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez is expected to return from a lower-body injury in a crucial ACC matchup against SMU, with the Demon Deacons seeking to maintain their second-place standing in the conference. Lopez has played eight games for Wake Forest this year, throwing for 2,176 yards and 18 touchdowns with just one interception.
At a Glance
- Gio Lopez is expected to return from a lower-body injury in the Wake Forest-SMU matchup.
- Wake Forest enters the game 8-1 (5-1 ACC) and is second in the conference, while SMU is 7-2 (5-2 ACC) and currently fourth.
- Lopez has played eight games for Wake Forest this year, throwing for 2,176 yards and 18 touchdowns with just one interception.
Wake Forest's Gio Lopez and the SMU Matchup
The Wake Forest-SMU matchup is one of the most highly anticipated games of the week, with both teams vying for a spot in the ACC championship game. Lopez's return from injury is a significant boost for the Demon Deacons, who have been led by backup quarterback Steele Pizzella in his absence.
Wake Forest enters the game 8-1 (5-1 ACC) and is second in the conference, while SMU is 7-2 (5-2 ACC) and currently fourth. The game is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on ESPN/DIRECTV.
Boise State's Dylan Riley Continues to Impress
Boise State running back Dylan Riley is having a standout season, with 1,241 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in nine games. He has added an additional 218 yards and two touchdowns on 17 receptions.
Riley has scored at least one touchdown in seven consecutive games and has at least 128 rushing yards in six games this year. The Broncos are 8-1, with their lone loss coming in their first game against No. 16 Oregon.
Other Notable Players to Watch
Duke running back Nate Sheppard is another player to watch this weekend, with back-to-back monster games against Boston College and NC State. He has the fifth-most carries in the FBS (191) and second-most rushing yards (1,189).
Arizona wide receiver Isaiah Mizell is also worth noting, with the Wildcats facing No. 2 Utah in a highly anticipated matchup. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Fox/DIRECTV.
What to Watch Next
The final games of the year are crucial for teams looking to qualify for the College Football Playoff. With three weeks remaining in the regular season, players are competing for season awards and auditioning for the upcoming transfer portal.
The consensus Heisman frontrunners are Notre Dame QB CJ Carr, Miami QB Darian Mensah, and Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining their chances of taking home the award.
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