If you look at the 0715Z wv sat image, it looks like that outer band starting in the NE came around intact, and then contracted towards the center and filled in that dry area to produce a symmetrical shape again (0915Z).

The size of this storm is so incredible. If the remaining eyewall did not disintegrate further, and stayed the same size, and the storm went due N until LA/MS landfall...the west eyewall would be in NO and the east eyewall over east Bay St Louis. The next larger concentric band would range in diameter from the west end of Lake Ponchatrain to Pascagoula.

Edit -- The 6am advis mentioned that 47 ft wave height on buoy 42040!