Is it time for Michigan State WR Rodney Bullard to shine?

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State isn’t releasing any specific injury information about Nick Marsh and Makhi Frazier, but it seems pretty apparent that the Spartans kicked off prep week for USC needing other players to step up their responsibilities and production. Marsh and Frazier went down with lower body injuries during Saturday’s victory over Youngstown State.  Marsh is Michigan State’s leading receiver, and Frazier is the Spartans’ leading rusher.  At the wide receiver position, senior Omari Kelly - a transfer from Middle Tennessee State - has made a strong impact as Marsh’s running mate. Kelly has 15 catches on the year, compared to 16 for Marsh. Kelly has 184 yards receiving, compared to 194. But Marsh has three touchdowns, compared to none for Kelly. Kelly has worked primarily as a flanker, while Marsh is a bigger-bodied split end. Kelly has been a co-No. 1 target along with Marsh this season. If Marsh can’t play on Saturday when Michigan State plays at USC (11 p.m., FOX), it’s logical that Kelly’s responsibilities will only grow. And if Marsh isn’t there to be Kelly’s top cohort, who else can step up to be the new No. 2 receiver? Evan Boyd filled in for Marsh at split end (X-WR) against Youngstown State. Boyd, a redshirt-sophomore from East Lansing who transferred from Central Michigan, played 42 snaps against Youngstown State, compared to only 17 for Marsh. Marsh had a dominant first half, with six catches despite only playing 17 snaps. He was utilized so much, and was so productive, that he had to check out a few times for a breather. Boyd replaced him permanently late in the second quarter.  At 6-3, 208, Boyd’s physical stature resembles Marsh more closely than any other receiver on the team. However, Boyd has yet to catch a pass as a Spartan. Boyd, who had 17 catches last year for Central Michigan, played 14 snaps against Western Michigan in the season opener. He was targeted once and had a pass sail through his hands and off his facemask on an out route.  Boyd was targeted twice in the Youngstown State game without a reception.  If Marsh can’t play, it’s not likely that Boyd would inherit all of the leftover reps at split end. In fact, it’s probable that he will remain second-string while another Spartan moves into the primary playing group - probably Rodney Bullard. (MORE inside SpartanMag. Join SpartanMag now - $1 for the first week - and enjoy a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership.)