Ole Miss-Oklahoma football game rescheduled to Sunday after FAA ground stop
A nationwide FAA ground stop forced the Ole Miss versus Oklahoma matchup to be moved from Saturday to Sunday, prompting objections from Oklahoma officials.
The Ole Miss visit to Oklahoma, originally set for 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, was shifted to Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET after the Federal Aviation Administration’s ground stoppage halted the team’s departure from Oxford on Friday night. The SEC said the charter company could not accommodate a late-night flight once the stoppage was lifted, delaying the team’s travel until Saturday afternoon.
Oklahoma athletic director Roger Denny said the league’s decision to move the game was made despite "our strong objection" and warned that refusal to play at the new time would result in a forfeit. He added that the change caused "significant impact" for fans who had arranged travel and accommodations for a Saturday game, describing the decision as unfair to athletes, the institution, and "Sooner Nation."
Despite the criticism, Denny said the university will comply with the directive and the game will proceed on Sunday, joining a slate of NFL contests scheduled for the same afternoon.