OU's rugby team exacted revenge on the Tigers even before the football team's close loss in New Orleans.
On January 3rd, the Sooner rugby team came in with an 18-4 record and a month off, but they still managed to hold back an aggressive LSU, winning the inaugural Buffalo Land Rugby Bowl 41-13.
Led by head coach Jon Velie, the Sooners executed a "wide-open style" to catch the Tigers off guard and build an early lead.
Junior fly-half Roger Gassett had a field day in New Orleans, breaking through LSU's defense to score four tries, which is an equivalent to four touchdowns, and served as the team's kick converter, converting all but one of his kicks.
"I thought that our team played exceptionally well after having about a month of a break off," Velie said. "A lot of times, you can get rusty. We were able to open up the field, really play what we call 'sideline-to-sideline,' a really fast moving tempo and a really excellent game that really was too much for LSU's team. They couldn't play at the same pace we did."
The Sooners' defense on the pitch kept LSU to only eight points during the first half of the game, and though LSU went in for one last try, OU's defense held strong in the "Big Easy" to frustrate the Tigers.
"In the forwards, two guys really stood out," Velie said. "One was Philip Hobbs, who's our number eight, and the other was Travis Gatewood. Both those players are back-row players, kind of like flankers or defensive ends, and they frustrated everything LSU had."
OU's senior fullback Tyson Meek broke down the Tiger defense, and his long runs from the back set up some key tries for the Sooners. Everything seemed to go in Oklahoma's favor, including attendance at the game.
OU's rugby team, who had struggled with attendance in the fall, were greeted by a few hundred of the Oklahoma faithful who came to watch the Sugar Bowl. Also in attendance was KRXO's DJ David Kelso, who spread word about the game.
The rugby team's goal to establish a growing fan base was lent a helpful hand with this type of media attention from Kelso and even from Channel 5 news.
"It's immense," Velie said. "We ran into David down in New Orleans, and he calls himself now the 'Voice of OU Rugby.' He's a great guy and just an excellent character. I think it helps immensely. It helps people know, number one, we exist and those who did know we exist, it helps place in a different light."
With the rugby team making a run at the National Rugby Championship, the Sooners' win in New Orleans helps kick off their championship run on a high note.
"Was it crucial? No, but it sure helped, and it really kicked the season off in a great way," Velie said.
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