Michigan State's Chris Norman taking benching in stride

Michigan State linebacker Chris Norman was replaced by Taiwan Jones in the second half of the Spartans' 31-27 come-from-behind victory over Indiana last Saturday, and he's taking the benching in stride this week.

Norman told Diamond Leung of MLive.com:

"Honestly, it hurts because you've been here a while and tried to put so much hard work and effort into something to still have to go through something like that. But it's also another opportunity for my character. It's another opportunity to handle adversity. It's another opportunity to respond, and that's just something that I have to do."

Jones took most of the reps with the first team ahead of Norman in practice on Tuesday. Norman, a senior and three-year starter, has recorded 29 tackles and one sack so far this season. Jones had four tackles (three solo) in relief of Norman in the second half last Saturday.

The 27 points given up to Indiana last Saturday was the most the Spartans have given up all season. Michigan State's defense will attempt to bounce back this Saturday when they host Iowa at home.