Notre Dame suspends top RB Wood two games

Updated: August 26, 2012, 2:50 PM ET

By Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com

Notre Dame has suspended running back Cierre Wood and defensive end Justin Utupo for the first two games of the season, the school announced Sunday.

More on Notre Dame football

Everything Notre Dame football, from recruiting to news to game coverage, is available from ESPN.com's Matt Fortuna in his Notre Dame football blog.
• More: ESPN Chicago's college blog

Neither player will travel to Saturday's opener against Navy in Dublin, Ireland.

"Our players are aware of the standards I set for our program and that failure to meet my expectations will result in consequences," coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. "Justin and Cierre violated our team rules so I've suspended them for the first two games of the season."

Wood, a senior, rushed for 1,102 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Theo Riddick, who has played both running back and wide receiver, will likely replace Wood as the Irish's No. 1 running back during the first two games.

Utupo, a junior, has seen mostly special teams action for the Irish during his career.

The players will also miss the Sept. 8 home game against Purdue.

Matt Fortuna | email

College Football

• ESPN.com Notre Dame blogger
• Joined ESPN.com in 2011
• Wrote for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review