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Football: Gautier’s big returnTim Buckley, The Advertiser, Novmeber 25, 2012 He waited and wondered for nearly two months, unsure if he’d ever throw another collegiate pass again. But Blaine Gautier returned Saturday, and when he did the fifth-year senior quarterback’s first toss merely went for a touchdown. Gautier — UL’s record-setting QB a season ago — went 2-of-4 for 32 yards in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 52-30 win over South Alabama on Senior Day at Cajun Field, including an 18-yard scoring throw to tight end Jake Maxwell that helped make it 45-23 with 13 minutes and 50 seconds remaining. "I was just thankful to actually get back out there," Gautier said. "I just thank this team for standing by me and giving me all the strength in the world to go there and play this wonderful game." Gautier has been out since undergoing pin-insertion surgery to repair two throwing-hand bones that he broke in the first quarter of a Sept. 29 win over Florida International. "To see Blaine Gautier come into the game and hear the crowd roar," Cajuns coach Mark Hudspeth said, "just showed a lot of respect for him and the rest of the seniors that came in and made a great contribution to this win." Gautier, whose old starting job now belongs to sophomore University of Houston transfer Terrance Broadway, described himself as "sort of shell-shocked" that he threw for a TD on his first play from scrimmage since getting hurt. "Coming off the sideline," he said, "I was a little cold. "But I just felt comfortable," Gautier added. "It just hit me all over again that it’s just a game, and it’s something you grow up playing for a long time." Patt ejected for hitUL starting safety Trevence Patt, a Breaux Bridge High product, was ejected from Saturday’s game because of a hit he made to break up a third-quarter pass. Hudspeth called the play a "big hit, big stop on his part." "They (game officials) said he ‘launched,’ " the Cajun coach said. "I didn’t see if he launched or not; I’ll have to go back and watch the film." Patt faces a potential half- or full-game suspension as a result of the ejection, which comes when helmet-to-helmet contact is made by a launching player. He’ll learn his fate early this week. It appeared helmet-to-helmet contact was made, but it remains to be seen how the ‘launching’ issue will be adjudicated by Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson. "Trevence has been made improvement each week, " Hudspeth said, "and I hate it for him, because he was just trying to make a big play. "But, nevertheless, we’ll wait and see how this transpires." Molbert hurtUL starting linebacker Jake Molbert was on crutches after Saturday’s game due what is initially being called a "sprained" knee. Hudspeth wasn’t sure Saturday if Molbert will be available for the Dec. 22 New Orleans Bowl. "He’ll probably see the doctor on Monday and get a final evaluation," Hudspeth said. "I sure hope (he’s available). "» We’re already a thin football team." Molbert reclaimed his starting job earlier this season by Qyen Griffin, who was suspended due to repeated violation of team rules. LagniappeBrandon McCray, a senior playing his final game at Cajun Field, got a start on the defensive line over regular Christian Ringo, and Yobes Walker, another senior, got the start in his last home game over Alonzo Harris at running back. Walker had a 1-yard TD run with 3:33 to go. "» Harris was dressed and available after exiting UL’s comeback win over Western Kentucky early due to bruised ribs, but he did not play. "» Backup slot receiver Bradley Brown (knee) returned after sitting out one week earlier vs. WKU. "» Seniors Jemarlous Moten, Jaron Odom, Rodney Gillis and Le’Marcus Gibson were UL’s captains Saturday.
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