Football: McGuire almost produced a win

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • October 31, 2010

ATHENS, Ohio — In an instant Brad McGuire went from UL’s short-yardage specialist to the starting quarterback Saturday against Ohio.

McGuire, who replaced injured starter Chris Masson (knee) early in the first quarter, passed for a career-high 384 yards — the fifth-best total in school history — in a 38-31 loss.

The junior from Pensacola, Fla., completed 25 of 39 passes for two touchdowns and one interception and rushed 16 times for 58 yards not counting the yardage lost on six sacks.

McGuire hated the circumstances that led to his opportunity, but he was happy to be back on the field. It was his most extensive action since filling in for then-senior Michael Desormeaux and sparking a fourth-quarter comeback in a 28-23 win over Arkansas State in 2008.

"I always love the chance to go back out there and play again because lately it’s just been on third and fourth down and short-yardage stuff," McGuire said. "It felt good to get back out there and run around and play a full game."

McGuire rushed for a team-high seven TDs last season as a short-yardage quarterback. Then last spring he moved to running back due to widespread injuries before hurting his foot in the preseason and missing this season’s first five games. He eventually moved back to quarterback and rushed for two TDs in each of the previous two games.

On Saturday he threw an interception on his second pass attempt but eventually settled down. Eight of his 25 completions covered at least 20 yards with receiver Darryl Surgent (four catches for 110 yards) and tight end Ladarius Green (six receptions for 107 yards and one score) helping his cause.

McGuire was especially efficient after the Cajuns fell behind 31-17 with 9:17 left. He accounted for all but one yard on an 11-play scoring drive capped by Aaron Spikes’ 1-yard TD run to make it a seven-point game after completing 6-of-9 passes for 85 yards.

After Ohio quickly answered with a score, McGuire went 6-of-8 passing for 85 yards on the next drive. His 3-yard TD pass to Green cut UL’s deficit to 38-31 with 1:36 left.

"I thought Brad stepped in and did a remarkable job," UL coach Rickey Bustle said. " "» He ran around and got out of trouble and made some throws. "» He just kind of kept things alive."

After the game Bill Desormeaux — the father of Michael Desormeaux and Cajun senior fullback Matt Desormeaux — gave McGuire a hug and said how proud he was of him.

With Masson’s playing status in question, McGuire might be a full-time quarterback for the rest of the season. He is ready for whatever the future holds.