Oklahoma, Arizona St. Drop Games

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) _ Oklahoma and Arizona State have pulled out of their scheduled football games in 2001 and 2002. <br><br>Oklahoma withdrew from its game at Arizona State in 2002 because of a scheduling

Thursday, December 7th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) _ Oklahoma and Arizona State have pulled out of their scheduled football games in 2001 and 2002.

Oklahoma withdrew from its game at Arizona State in 2002 because of a scheduling conflict. Arizona State responded by backing out of what was to have been its season opener at Oklahoma next Sept. 1.

``We are disappointed the game in Tempe was canceled,'' Arizona State athletic director Gene Smith said. ``Once that happened, it made no sense for us to travel to Norman for one game with no return to Sun Devil Stadium.''

In a joint statement by both schools, Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione said both sides worked to find another date for the game at Norman, but nothing could be worked out.

The decision leaves Smith trying to find substitute opponents.

At such a late date, it will be virtually impossible for Arizona State to find a big-name opponent. The Sun Devils' other nonconference games next season are against San Diego State and San Jose State.