It could have had a disastrous effect.

The UL Ragin’ Cajuns were leading 14-0 late in the first period when FIU defensive lineman Andre Pound tackled Cajun quarterback Blaine Gautier late after a an incomplete pass. The result of the play was an apparent broken left hand for the southpaw senior quarterback.

Instead, in came sophomore reserve quarterback Terrance Broadway and the Cajuns didn’t miss a beat.

Gautier’s injury came on a third-down incomplete pass. Brett Baer made it 17-0 with a field goal and Broadway would lead UL on two more touchdown drives before the half on the way to dominating 48-20 win at Cajun Field.

"I felt comfortable because the coaches did a great job of getting me reps," Broadway said. "I got some snaps in the Lamar game (and replacing an injured Gautier at Troy).

"Blaine did a heckuva job while he was in there. What Blaine started, I finished."

Despite the fact that Gautier got most of the snaps this past week in preparation for FIU, Broadway said the coaches still did a good job of giving him "mental reps,"

Broadway continued to maintain that he prepares like he’s the starter and it showed. The Capitol High of Baton Rouge product who transferred from Houston completed 15 of 19 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

He also ran for 28 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries.

While there’s no official word on Gautier’s injury, every indication is that Broadway will be the starting quarterback on Saturday for homecoming against Tulane.

"I’m going to keep preparing like I always do," Broadway said. "When I don’t have class on Monday and Wednesday, I’m going to be in here studying film and preparing."

Nothing changes was the message about the UL quarterback situation by UL coach Mark Hudspeth and Saturday’s receiving star Harry Peoples.

"Nothing really changes on offense," Hudspeth said.

In fact, the coach said that he views Broadway and Gautier as almost carbon copies … other than the fact that they throw with different hands obviously.

"They’re very similar," Hudspeth said. "They’re both excellent students with 3.8 GPAs, they’re both excellent leaders and they both have great character.

"That’s why he (Broadway) was able to come in and have success like he did."

Peoples said he gained respect for Broadway’s leadership skills back in the spring when they were both on the White team.

"He’s got great composure," said Peoples, who 10 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. "He’s always positive, even after he makes a bad throw. "He’s got a positive energy at all times."

Broadway also displayed plenty of accuracy in Saturday’s supreme relief appearance. In his first drive, he connected with Javone Lawson for 10 and Darryl Surgent for 15 before running in a 13-yard TD run.

On the second TD drive he led, Broadway was 5-for-5 passing for 48 yards, mostly in a hurry-up mode. He also ran it three times for 18 yards, including the 4-yard TD run for the 31-14 halftime lead.

"I think the whole offense feels more comfortable playing like that (fast-paced approach)," Broadway said.