With only one week left in college football season, the bowl picture is becoming clearer for some teams. In the case of the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, the picture is still out of focus but a win against in-state rival UL Monroe could change things. But with a potential of six teams becoming bowl eligible, where could the Cajuns go bowling? There are three bowls that could choose the Cajuns.
The Case for the Camellia Bowl:
The bowl game in Montgomery, Alabama could be one of those weird decisions for this bowl to pick up. With two Sun Belt teams in Alabama (South Alabama and Troy), the odds of the Ragin Cajuns being selected by this committee is slim to none. However, if the Jags lose on Saturday against New Mexico State a lot of cards will need to fall in order for South Alabama to miss out on a bowl game.
Odds: 20-30%
The Case For the Birmingham Bowl:
Typically, the Birmingham Bowl is reserved for teams from the American Athletic Conference. However the AAC currently has seven teams eligible, but have eight bowl tie-ins. There are some possible selections with teams like Houston or Memphis who could travel reasonably well, but could be headed over to a bigger bowl game due to records. Much like the Camellia Bowl, South Alabama could be involved in this. Due to a recently approved waiver, the Jags could be 5-7 and if there is an availability they will be put in a bowl before any other team due to the LSU-Florida fiasco.
Chances: 5-10%
The Case for the New Orleans Bowl:
How could I not bring up the bowl game the Cajuns have been to for four of the last five seasons under Mark Hudspeth? The New Orleans Bowl gets first dibs on a team to play in their game before all the other Sun Belt tie-ins. The committee would be crazy to pass up on the Cajuns if they win on Saturday against UL Monroe as they have set attendance records during that stretch of bowl games. It may not be what the Cajuns fans want, but the committee knows that the Cajuns are what draws money to their game. Basically, the Cajuns win and they are more likely than not walking to New Orleans again.
Chances: 95-100%
-Clint Domingue