LAFAYETTE, La. -- Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football fans are going to have a 2013 season to remember according to the national football experts, who have tabbed the Cajuns to win the Sun Belt Conference title this year. Louisiana has been tabbed first in 11 of the 15 polls that have been released to date.
In the 15 polls, Louisiana received 11 first place, two second place and two third place votes for a total of 21 points, the lowest in the Sun Belt.
The Cajuns were tabbed first by the Sun Belt Conference, USA Today, Athlon, CBS, Orlando Sentinel, Phil Steele, Collegefootballnews.com, Massey and College Sports Madness.
"With success comes expectations," Louisiana head coach Mark Hudspeth said. "In the past, not much was expected from us, but after two straight New Orleans Bowl wins, expectations are through the roof.
"We have a chance to be a really good team, but I believe that our best is still yet to come," Hudspeth added.
The Sporting News picked Louisiana to finish second while Lindy's and College Football Universe each had them third.
ULM, which was voted first in two polls, was second in the composite poll with 30.5 points, while defending SBC champion Arkansas State was third with 42.5 points and one first place vote. WKU received the final first place vote, being tabbed fourth with 47 points while Troy (69 points), Texas State (84.5), South Alabama (97.5) and Georgia State (112) round out the rankings.
Louisiana was awarded a No. 49 ranking in the nation this preseason by USA Today, tops among the Sun Belt. That ranking is good enough to put the Cajuns fifth among the 14 ACC schools and in the upper half of the Mountain West. They were ahead of six SEC schools, including season-opening opponent Arkansas (83rd), five teams from the PAC 12 and four each from the Big 10 and Big 12.
"I am proud for our team and the level of success that they have enjoyed in the last two years. But, as I have told the team, the polls have no bearings on our future. It is my challenge to them that they meet the expectations set before us," Hudspeth said.
After a summer of strength training and conditioning, the Ragin' Cajuns players will take a short break before reporting for the start of preseason camp on Sunday (Aug. 4) with the first practice beginning on Monday (Aug. 5).