Friday's Michigan State football win over Western Michigan wasn't as dominant as some had expected, but it was a convincing win that didn't ever leave any doubt.
The only doubt, however, is the fact that the play-calling in the second half was dreadful.
Oh, and some hyped-up guys from fall camp didn't get enough snaps. These are the three guys who I believe deserve more snaps next week against Boston College.
1. Semaj Bridgeman/Brady Pretzlaff
Semaj Bridgeman had the most interceptions during fall camp, according to the coaching staff, but he only played six total snaps against the Broncos. Brady Pretzlaff played the exact same amount. For two guys who were regarded as breakout candidates this year, it was disappointing to see them not on the field for most of the game.
We got a heavy dose of Jordan Hall and Wayne Matthews III, which is more than fine, but if the defense is going to grow and have solid depth, both young linebackers need more snaps.
Plus, I really liked the tackle for loss Bridgeman recorded in the second half as he looked like a heat-seeking missile on the ball-carrier that looked like he had room to run.
2. Rod Bullard Jr.
Rod Bullard Jr. is a guy who received a ton of praise during fall camp, and Jonathan Smith even hinted that he might be the third receiver after Omari Kelly and Nick Marsh. However, that wasn't the case as he got the fourth-most offensive snaps at receiver on Friday night.
I think he deserves more, especially if he can provide a spark at WR3 because Michigan State was severely lacking one after Kelly and Marsh.
Aidan Chiles missed Chrishon McCray deep, and I like him as a third option, but I'd like to see more from Bullard who had just one rush for -2 yards. No receiving yards? Not ideal.
3. Justin Denson Jr.
We heard all week that Justin Denson Jr. would be taking more snaps and competing for time with Armorion Smith at safety with Nikai Martinez out, but he only played 21 percent of defensive snaps.
Smith got beat deep on one long pass, but it was more of a remarkable catch over him rather than bad coverage, so that's not all on him. But when Denson was in there, he didn't give up anything behind him, and he finished with a tackle. He deserves to play more snaps next week given the fact that he didn't egregiously miss any assignments and more than held his own.