Countdown to Kickoff 2012. . . First Scrimmage
LOUISIANA -- Spirit and intensity was high at Cajun Field on Saturday as the UL offense rallied late to claim a 36-34 victory over the defense in the first scrimmage of the preseason.
“I was a little bit surprised by the play today but after a long week of practice, we came out and played pretty hard today,” UL head coach Mark Hudspeth said.
“We got a little tired late and committed some silly penalties which we have to avoid. The fourth quarter is usually when your are tired and we can’t be making jumping offside or making false starts if we expect to win,” Hudspeth added.
The first offensive unit, led by quarterback Blaine Gautier, looked strong during the 75-minute scrimmage, but some new faces stepped up and showed that they are capable of helping out.
Safety T.J. Worthy, who earlier in the week learned that the NCAA granted his appeal making him eligible to play this fall, scooped up a fumble and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown early in the scrimmage.
“That was a big-time play by T.J.” Hudspeth said. “He has had a good camp so far and his play today showed it.”
Wide receiver Jamal Robinson showed that he will be a reliable receiving option, making several catches during the session, including a 55-yard run and catch.
“Jamal has played well so far this fall and he has shown that when he makes the catch, he is capable of being a playmaker for us,” Hudspeth said.
Robinson wasn’t the only receiver to stand out as Bradley Brown, who is eligible this fall after transferring from Northwestern State, made a nice run after a catch to score during the scripted portion of the scrimmage.
“We are going to have a nice and deep receiving unit,” Hudspeth said. “We know that Javone Lawson, Harry Peoples and Darryl Surgent are going to step up when the game is on the line, but our depth is going to help us perform at a higher level all game long.”
Not everything met Hudspeth’s expectations however. Early in the scrimmage following a change of profession he chastised the No. 2 defense for walking onto the field. “We take the field like we own the field,” Hudspeth said before making the unit return to the sidelines and show a true Cajun effort in returning to the field.
Hudspeth singled out the effort of the defensive line during the scrimmage, especially Justin Hamilton and Cordian Hagans.
“Those two really stood out on a unit that played pretty hard today and they did a nice job of forcing play at the point of the attack” Hudspeth said. “the defensive line was a concern coming out of spring practice because of our inexperience, but it is quickly becoming apparent that we are going to have some quality depth.”
LAGNIAPPE: The scrimmage was played out before approximately 200 fans who were allowed to watch because they were members of the RCAF. . . after 10 straight days of practice, Hudspeth gave the Cajuns Sunday off with only a short team meeting scheduled for the day.
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Originally Posted by RaginCajun08
