If the Gulf was a perfect circle, with Rita currently in the middle of it, then at its current rate of turn, it would indeed hit New Orleans head on.
But the Gulf isn't, Rita isn't, and it can't get there from here unless it starts turning faster.
Much faster.
Or slower.
If it stalls, landfall time and location is anyone's guess. Keep an eye on those forward speeds.
Last I heard it only had a forward speed of 9 mph. Can't get much slower.
ala Fredric '79?