GAME NOTES: Coming off their biggest win of the season, the 20th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks now return home, where they will host the Baylor Bears in Big 12 play at Memorial Stadium. The Jayhawks were criticized by many for their easy non- conference schedule, but they showed everyone they belong with a 30-24 upset at then-ranked Kansas State last weekend. It was the fifth straight win by Kansas, which is off to just its second 5-0 start in the last 39 years. The victory was also the team's first against a ranked opponent since 2005, as the Jayhawks won their league-opener for the first time since 2003. It also pushed Kansas into the Top 25 rankings, a feat it last accomplished in 1996. As for Baylor, it wasn't so lucky last weekend, dropping a 43-23 decision to Colorado. The loss was the second in a row for the Bears, who fell to an even 3-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play. The team now takes to the road, where it is 1-2 on the year. In terms of the all-time series, Baylor has won five of the previous eight meetings between the two schools, but they are just 1-3 versus Kansas in Lawrence.

The Bears use their passing attack to move the ball consistently on offense, as they are throwing for 306.8 ypg, compared to rushing for only 86.8 ypg. The big problem for this offense however, has been mistakes, as Baylor has committed 15 turnovers, including 11 interceptions. Last weekend, the Bears racked up 465 total yards, including 410 via the pass, but committed three turnovers in a 43-23 setback to Colorado. Quarterback Blake Szymanski threw a pair of interceptions in the game, but he sill finished with 410 yards and a touchdown on 36-of-60 tosses. Despite throwing for 1,815 yards and 15 scores, the sophomore gunslinger has struggled with consistency this season, completing only 53.5 percent of his pass attempts with nine interceptions. Tailback Brandon Whitaker has been one of his favorite outlets, catching a team-high 42 balls for 227 yard and two scores. Whitaker has rushed for just 186 yards this season, so his ability to catch passes is a big deal. Last weekend, Whitaker pulled in 11 balls for 166 yards, while being limited to just 26 rushing yards and a score on 11 totes.

On defense is where the Bears have really struggled this year, as they are surrendering 28.2 ppg and 419.7 total ypg. The unit is giving up 161.8 ypg on the ground and 257.8 through the air, with 12 of its 19 touchdowns allowed coming via the pass. Last weekend, Baylor was torched by Colorado for 450 yards of total offense, including 293 through the air. The unit though, did force a pair of turnovers, brining their season total to 12. Jordan Lake notched seven stops in the loss and he continues to lead the team with 55 stops for the year. He also has a team-high two interceptions to his name.

The Jayhawks' offense has certainly capitalized on their soft early season schedule, as they come into the game averaging an eye-popping 48.8 ppg behind an equally as impressive 529.6 total ypg. The unit has had a tremendous amount of success both on the ground (215.4 ypg) and through the air (314.2 ypg), and it is converting 45.0 percent of the time on third downs. Facing its toughest opponent of the season last weekend, Kansas racked up 437 total yards, including 194 on the ground, in a 30-24 victory over Kansas State. Todd Reesing led the charge, as he completed 22-of-35 pass attempts for 267 yards and three scores. However, he was picked off three times and that is unusual considering he had thrown just one interception in the team's previous four games. Still, Reesing has enjoyed a successful campaign up to this point, completing 59.4 percent of his throws for 1,466 yards and 14 touchdowns. One of the reasons for Reesing's success has been his ability to spread out the ball, as three players have recorded 20 or more catches already. Marcus Henry leads the club with 23 catches and 417 yards, although he was limited to just two receptions for 24 yards last weekend. As for the ground attack, Brandon McAnderson leads the club with 408 yards and six touchdowns, while Jake Sharp is next in line with 384 yards and four scores. The duo are averaging over 6.0 yards per carry and that shows how explosive they can be.

Much like their offense, the Jayhawks' defense has been outstanding in the early part of the season, limiting their foes to a mere 9.4 ppg and only 247.6 total ypg. The unit has done a tremendous job against the run (86.4 ypg), and it has also forced 13 turnovers, including eight interceptions. Last weekend, Kansas gave up 363 total yards to Kansas State, but it made up for that by forcing three interceptions. The defense surrendered only 53 rushing yards and allowed Kansas State to convert just 4-of-16 third down chances. Joe Mortensen posted 11 tackles in the win, giving him a club-high 47 stops for the year. He also leads the Jayhawks with 10.5 TFLs.

Kansas is coming off a huge win and it should have no trouble building off it this weekend. The Jayhawks are simply the better team from top to bottom and they should be able to slow down the Bears' one-dimensional offense for the victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Kansas 38, Baylor 17