NOTRE DAME, Ind. – 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, Kelly announced Sunday.

“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.