NOTE–RPI’s from NCAA.com as of 4.6.17
Ragin’ Cajuns Head Coach Tony Robichaux preaches believing in yourself. What the fans believe or the coaches believe doesn’t matter. When it comes to winning a national championship the only thing that’s important is what the players believe. Just over half way into the regular season, the Cajuns should put the championship hopes on the back burner and concern themselves with just qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.
Usually the Sun Belt is not a one-bid for the NCAA Tournament, but heading into this past weekend, only South Alabama (70) and Coastal Carolina (73) had higher RPI’s than the Cajuns (79). So moving forward, the Sun Belt schedule isn’t going to help UL’s cause. And if things don’t change dramatically, the Sun Belt Tournament Champ is will be the only team to get a bid.
Here is where it gets tricky. The Cajuns have a pair of five game weeks coming up. So far, Jack Burk has been getting the start on Tuesday as he most likely will against LSU. Well what happens in a couple of weeks when Louisiana travels to Tulane (148) before hosting Southeastern (27)? Which helps or hurts more? A win over Tulane with Burk pitching vs a loss to Southeastern with ‘johnny wholestaff’ on the mound?
Same issue the following week. Cajuns head off to Austin to play the Longhorns (53), but the next night they host McNeese State (19). While the Longhorns have a long baseball tradition, this season a win against the Cowboys may mean more.
Obviously Robichaux has some big decisions ahead. Either way, the bottom line is the Cajuns better start believing in themselves to chalk up some wins. Otherwise those championship dreams will remain just that, dreams.