Wake Forest statistical leaders through 10 games

Here’s who could give the Irish trouble.

This has been a rough season for Wake Forest. After winning their first three games, the Deacons have lost six of their past seven. Their bowl hopes rest on whether they can win their final two games or at least one on the outside chance that there aren’t not enough six-win teams. Regardless, it’s not a great situation to be in.

Notre Dame isn’t going to take it easy on the Deacons just because they’re struggling. If anything, the Irish will be on a mission to improve their own bowl resume. No, it won’t be a bowl the casual college football fan cares about, but it would be nice for them to play when most people aren’t at work.

The Deacons have a tall order in trying to salvage something of this season, but they’ll try to do so anyway. Here are the players who can help them do that:

Wake Forest starting quarterback Mitch Griffis out against Pittsburgh

Griffis, the Demon Deacons’ starter so far this year, won’t dress against the Panthers, nor will backup Michael Kern.

Wake Forest quarterback Mitch Griffis won’t play today against Pittsburgh, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Griffis, who has started each of the Demon Deacons’ previous six games, has completed 59.1% of his passes this year for 1,211 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions. His QBR of 35.7 was 117th in the country and last among starters in the conference entering Saturday.

The report came after multiple Wake Forest beat reporters noticed Griffis wasn’t visible during the team’s pregame warmups.

Griffis’ backup, Michael Kern, also won’t be available for the Demon Deacons.

The Demon Deacons will turn to redshirt sophomore Santino Marucci against Pittsburgh.