One of the key games in the Allied Rugby Conference in DI-A has had to end in a forfeit.

Oklahoma, ranked 1st with a 2-1 record, was set to visit Texas Tech, 2nd with a 2-1 record, on Saturday. However, the Texas Tech field was aerated by mistake, making it unusable. Attempts to move the game to another location failed, and with no makeup date available, Oklahoma was awarded a 28-0 forfeit victory.

Conference co-executive director Johnny Smith said in an email Friday that 

"These things happen and the ARC does not hold Texas Tech RFC responsible for a scheduling snafu on the part of the grounds department. We also understand that many of their players had built their break departure around a home game and it was quite impossible for them to travel to Norman [Okla.]. No one could have foreseen this event. We think it punishment enough that they have to forfeit such a big game. We hope they will bounce back after the break and finish strong going into our Championship event. They have our full support."

Oklahoma now leads the conference with a 3-1 record and 17 points in the standings. Texas Tech drops to 2-2. OU will be looking over their shoulders at Texas and Texas A&M, who both sit 2-0 and play tonight (Friday March 8). The winner will have at least 14 standings points (possibly 15) and a game in hand over the Sooners.