The Baylor Bears begin their quest for sole ownership of a Big 12 title tonight against SMU, but the team will have to do so without one of its key players. According to ESPN’s Brett McMurphy, massive defensive end Shawn Oakman will miss the game as he has been suspended for it due to a violation of team rules. Defensive back Orion Stewart was also suspended.
Baylor DE Shawn Oakman & DB Orion Stewart suspended 1 game vs. SMU Friday for violation of team rules
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 4, 2015
Though Baylor should beat SMU fairly easily, as they are currently listed as 37 point favorites by Bovada, Oakman is still a significant loss. He has phenomenal size at 6-foot-9, 280 pounds and is one of the keys to the Bears’ defense succeeding in 2015.
In 2014, he had 52 tackles (19.5 for a loss) with 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and two recoveries.
Sure, his presence isn’t the be-all and end-all of Baylor winning tonight, but it would give him some game action and have him fresh for next weekend’s game against Lamar.
For whatever reason he was suspended, here’s hoping that Oakman is able to bounce back from sitting out quickly and help Baylor fight for a spot in the College Football Playoff for the rest of the season.
Baylor’s game against SMU kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
