Dedrick Mills suspended for two games

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Dedrick Mills (26) runs for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 17, 2016. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Dedrick Mills (26) runs for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 17, 2016. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Georgia Tech B-back Dedrick Mills was suspended for the next two games, against Virginia Tech and Virginia,s for a violation of team rules. A team spokesman made the announcement Wednesday.

Mills previously missed the Mercer game, also for violating team rules. Mills leads the Yellow Jackets with 578 rushing yards in seven games, an 82.6 yards-per-game average that ranks fourth among freshmen in FBS. With a powerful running style and a willingness to take on contact, he has been a principal element of the Tech offense, which is third in the ACC in yards per play.

Having Mills in the lineup would have been particularly helpful against the No. 14 Hokies, ranked No. 24 in the country in yards-per-rush defense. Virginia Tech typically has given Georgia Tech’s offense more problems than perhaps any other ACC opponent.

“It’s never good to play without a starter,” coach Paul Johnson said. “It is what it is. Move on, next man up.”

Marcus Marshall, who missed Saturday’s game with an upper-body injury, will replace Mills in the starting lineup. Marshall led the Jackets last season in rushing, with 654 yards.