• By BOB ARDOIN
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Nov 22, 2009

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LAFAYETTE — Insert Ladarius Green and Brad McGuire into the lineup and it apparently makes quite a difference in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette offense.

Green and McGuire — healthy for the first time in three weeks — helped the Cajuns to a 21-17 Sun Belt Conference victory over the University of Louisiana at Monroe on a rainy Saturday night at Cajun Field.

Green, a 6-foot-5 tight end, caught a career-high seven passes for 131 yards, while McGuire, a backup quarterback, scored on two 1-yard runs.

A neck injury kept Green on the sideline; McGuire was hampered by an ailing ankle.

“You can see now why we’ve missed (Green),” ULL coach Rickey Bustle said. “That big rascal made some plays. Then having Brad there making those runs on goal-line situations was also big. He’s going to make some plays when we’re down there.”

The victory enabled the Cajuns to improve to 6-5 overall and 4-3 in the SBC. ULM (6-5, 5-2) began the game tied for second in the league standings with Middle Tennessee. The win also made the Cajuns bowl eligible for second straight season.

ULM’s defeat dropped the Warhawks into third-place after Middle Tennessee defeated Arkansas State on Saturday.

ULM head coach Charlie Weatherbie complimented the passing of ULL quarterback Chris Masson (16-for-27, 252 yards), but he thought Green was a difference maker.

“(Masson) threw the ball well, but we didn’t cover well,” Weatherbie said. “He threw well to (Green). That tight end is a heck of a player.”

The Warhawks led 17-14 entering the fourth quarter. ULM was held to only 49 total yards during the final 15 minutes.

ULM had a chance to extend its lead with 11:51 left, but Radi Jabour’s 27-yard field goal attempt into a strong north wind and driving rain dipped low as it approached the crossbar.

McGuire thought the failed kick gave the Cajuns some momentum, as they responded with an 80-yard touchdown drive that ended with McGuire scoring with 7:16 left.

Green caught two passes from Masson during the fourth- quarter drive. He was also the intended receiver on two long pass routes that drew interference calls when ULM defenders attempted to separate him from the ball.