Notre Dame, LSU both have players out for Citrus Bowl game

As Notre Dame prepares to take on Louisiana State University in the Citrus Bowl it has five players out for suspensions or injuries.

Five Notre Dame players are out for the New Year's Day game.

Sophomore running back Deon McIntosh was sent home Saturday for violating team rules.

Wide receiver Kevin Stepherson was pulled over for speeding in Marshall County and was arrested for driving without a valid license. He also allegedly had marijuana on him.

The following day Stepherson and running back CJ Holmes were arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Macy's.

Stepherson and Holmes were suspended indefinitely from all football related activities. Both have been charged with conversion.

Junior tight end Alize Mack will sit out Monday's game due to an internal team matter.

Head Coach Brian Kelly talked briefly about the suspensions this weekend.

"The guys need to make good choices and I made it pretty clear if you didn't make a good choice you would lose your opportunity with what we are doing down here. Not much different than other situations with a young man making a poor choice," Coach Kelly said.

In addition to the suspensions, wide receiver Chase Claypool is out with a shoulder injury.

LSU is also down several players.

Linebackers Donnie Alexander and Corey Thompson are out with injuries. Star pass rusher Arden Key is also out with an injury.

LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron has confidence in his younger players.

"They'll step up. They'll step up. There are a lot of different offenses they have to defend. Their quarterback runs, their power gains, big offensive line coming at you. You've got to take on block shed, and then tackle a big back," Coach Orgeron said. "There may be a formation or two the young guys can't handle.  We'll have to draw it up on the sideline and we've got to get it fixed.  The key is that we've got to get it fixed right away,"

Kickoff specialist Cameron Gamble will also be out for Monday's game.