Michigan's Dennis Norfleet (23) is tackled on a kick return by Michigan State's Riley Bullough, top, and Montae Nicholson during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 35-11. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State will begin its game against Central Michigan this weekend without middle linebacker Riley Bullough, who must sit out the first half after being ejected for targeting late in the Spartans' 35-21 win over Air Force last week.
Coach Mark Dantonio said he is not happy with losing a player but denied a suggestion such rules have "gone too far."
"I think you err on the side of safety and you're putting it in everybody's mind, especially when it's that hit, which not intentional, maybe a little bit in question if you're head coach on the sideline or coach on the sideline, but you're putting it in everybody's mind that, hey, we are making a focus on this and just don't do it to the best of your ability," Dantonio said. "If you get called for it, we've got to deal with it. I've always found if somebody steps out, somebody else steps in. It gives that other person experience, that person will be better for it, and all parties involved will be better for it."
Sophomore Shane Jones is listed as the starter this week.
Bullough is the team's leading tackler with 39 stops -- 15 more than any other Spartan.
Jones has five tackles in two games.
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