OU’s game against Mississippi has been pushed to noon Sunday, with the television network still to be announced, after what began as a Saturday afternoon kickoff at 3:15 p.m. changed in the wake of nationwide flight disruptions.
The shift came after a nationwide ground stop on flights, which was lifted around 7:30 p.m. Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Even after that, Mississippi was still unable to leave Oxford until after 4 p.m. Saturday because of charter, pilot and time-expiration issues, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger.
OU athletic director Roger Denny made clear the school did not agree with the move. In a statement, he said, "After multiple conversations with the league office, Commissioner Sankey informed us of his decision to move our game to Sunday, over our strong objection," Denny wrote in a statement. "After continued discussions, he informed us that our failure to play on Sunday at the directed time would result in a forfeit."
Denny also said the school was told Mississippi had tried to find a way to make Saturday work, but couldn’t get there. "We were told that Ole Miss explored every avenue to travel to Norman and play on Saturday as planned," Denny wrote. "But, unlike every other team traveling for competition tomorrow, they were unable to find a solution.”
The decision stands out because other programs dealing with the same travel mess are still set for Saturday. Tennessee handled the ground stoppage before flying out Friday evening, and its game with Texas A&M remains scheduled for 2 p.m.
Saturday. Auburn, meanwhile, chose to bus to Mississippi after flight problems and will still play Mississippi State at 3:15 p.m.
Saturday, which was the original kickoff time for OU-Mississippi.
No other college football game this weekend is currently scheduled for Sunday.
Denny said the change hits fans hard, too. "Rescheduling the game has a significant impact, particularly on our fans," Denny wrote.
"Those who have made travel arrangements, accommodations, and personal plans around a Saturday game now face unnecessary disruption and hardship. ... We will continue to fight in the best interests of OU Athletics and always on behalf of our student-athletes and fans.
On Saturday, we will share more on game logistics and fan appreciation measures."
He closed by underscoring OU’s frustration with how the call was handled. "I understand that difficult decisions sometimes must be made under extraordinary circumstances," Denny wrote.
"But those decisions must also consider the impact on everyone involved. Put simply, this decision isn't fair to our athletes, our institution, or to Sooner Nation. ...
We remain steadfast in our belief that the wrong outcome was reached this evening."
OU is 0-2 against Mississippi, including last year’s 34-26 loss at home. The Sooners will try to change that history on Sunday.
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