Notre Dame is set to take on Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl in the Bronx, but they will do so without the services of running back George Atkinson III and reserve corner back Jalen Brown. Both have been suspended for the game for violations of team rules, according to CSN Chicago.
Atkinson III tweeted claimed he was suspended for texting his family during a team meal, and suggests he has done so all season without a problem. That tweet was removed, but the Internet sees all and never forgets. Atkinson’s loss from the game will hurt the Notre Dame running back depth but his role in the offense seemed to be diminishing as the season played out. He is second on the team in rushing with 555 yards but he has not had more than seven carries in a game once since the middle of October. Atkinson has also applied for a review for the NFL Draft, so his days with the Irish may have been numbered anyway.
Despite the suspensions for the game, for whatever the reasons may be, Notre Dame should still be a solid favorite against Rutgers. Freshman Tarean Folston is expected to start at running back for the Irish.