Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 Spartans who will be X-factors

Nov 29, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Shane Jones (49) and defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) react following the completion of the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Michigan State defeated Penn State 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

One of the nation’s leading tacklers, Riley Bullough, has been forced to sit out for the first half against Central Michigan on Saturday, giving way to redshirt sophomore Shane Jones to try and fill his shoes.

Related: Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 players who need to step up

Bullough might be on pace to be just as good as his big brother, Max, was during his time as the starting middle linebacker for the Spartans, but he will have to take 30 minutes off this weekend to make up for a targeting call that had him ejected in the fourth quarter against Air Force.

Jones, a third-year player from Ohio, was expected to come in and take over middle linebacker duties when Max Bullough left the program, but the highly-touted inside linebacker was never really given a true shot to start. Now, he’s playing alongside his fellow 2013 recruiting class linebacker Jon Reschke to start this one.

While he may only play predominantly in one half, Jones will be showing off his leadership abilities in the middle of the defense and will be detrimental to the Central run game, if he plays to his potential.

We could see the rise of Shane Jones in this one.

Next: 1. Offensive Line