University
of Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly has suspended junior
defensive end Justin Utupo and senior running back Cierre
Wood two games for violating team rules.
This is the third starter suspended for the season's opening game, joining
quarterback Tommy Rees and linebacker Carlo Calabrese at home in South
Bend when the Irish travel to Dublin on Wednesday.
"Our
players are aware of the standards I set for our program and that
failure to meet my expectations will result in consequences," Kelly
said. "Justin and Cierre
violated our team rules so I've suspended them for the first two games
of the season."
Utupo
played in 12 games in 2011, primarily on special teams, and was a
reserve defensive end on the most recent Notre Dame depth chart.
Wood
led the Irish in
rushing last year with 1,102 yards and scored nine rushing touchdowns
while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
Wood played in all 13 games in 2011
and started nine contests.
Wood will be replaced in the
starting lineup by senior Theo Riddick, with sophomore George Atkinson
also set to get significant touches against Navy.
