Makes sense hoss, My oats work best when planted around the last week of Aug and the beginning of Sept. (30 days before a frost, just like yours) It gets them out of the summer dry times and the deer really seem to like them when they are 6 to 8 inches and green which is where mine are in Oct from planting right around now.

HOpel,
I'd honestly disc it up and replant the oats. I'd be willing to bet they just didn't get enough moisture and couldn't take the summer heat. Don't give up on them, just plant some more here in the next week or two.