Oklahoma RB Tawee Walker To Miss UCF Game

Sophomore Gavin Sawchuk was announced as the Sooners' starting running back ahead of Saturday's game with UCF.

NORMAN — Oklahoma will be without the services of leading rusher Tawee Walker against UCF on Saturday, apparently because of a personal matter, according to reports.

No Tawee Walker today for Oklahoma. I’m told that is due to a personal matter.

— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) October 21, 2023

Walker, a 5-foot-9, 216-pound junior, has rushed for 239 and four touchdowns on 53 carries through six games this season. He ran for 46 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries against Texas in a 34-30 win over the then No. 3-ranked Longhorns,

Senior Marcus Major is second on the team with 226 yards and a touchdown on 60 carries while Sawchuk has seen limited action with 18 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Major, though, might also find opportunity for limited snaps on Saturday.

I’m also told Marcus Major is battling a shoulder issue today and will be limited. I would expect Gavin Sawchuk to get a lot of run.

Again, Walker’s absence is not injury-related and should not affect his availability beyond this week. https://t.co/uyzni8WSQv

— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) October 21, 2023

Without Walker, Sawchuk took the first team “snaps” in the pregame warmups and was announced as the starter before the Sooners headed toward the locker room. Major also rotated with Sawchuk and the rest of the starters.

Sawchuk started but his first series didn't go according to plan. He dropped a direct snap and took a 5-yard loss, then dropped a Dillon Gabriel pass on third down.

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