Baylor can accomplish one goal with win against Kansas

The Baylor Bears will suit up one of their most important weapons after a enjoying a bye last week.

Receiver K.D. Cannon is expected back against Kansas. The game is set for 2:30 p.m. Oct. 15 on FS1.

Cannon leads the team in receptions with 27 for 370 yards and four touchdowns.

Quarterback Seth Russell said Cannon has the “it” factor that elevates others around him.

“Several other guys stepped up last week, which is huge, and we just need some more guys like him – guys who want to step up – because it will definitely help out our offense.”

Russell said the Bears (5-0, 2-0) need to be ready because they’re playing a Jayhawks (1-4, 0-2) team that is better than the record indicates. KU had stayed with Texas Tech through the third quarter until the Red Raiders finally pulled away.

“They’re definitely a different ball team from last year for sure,” he said. “They fly around, they do a lot of good things on defense. We just have to focus on what we do, and that’s play Baylor football.”

KU is led by quarterbacks Montell Cozart with 57 passes or 581 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions and a rush for 38 yards and Ryan Willis with 62 completions for 722 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. Running back Ke’aun Kinner has 40 rushes for 215 yards and a score. Receiver Steven Sims Jr. is tied for ninth in the league in receptions per game with a 5.3 average. He has 26 receptions for 413 yards and five touchdowns.

Baylor running back Shock Linwood had a career day during the comeback against Iowa State 45-42. Linwood had 25 carries for 237 yards and a touchdown. His 454 yards on 67 carries ranks fourth in rushing in the conference.

“It gives us confidence to know that the guys are going to come back and run hard,” offensive lineman Patrick Lawrence said. “We weren’t surprised by Shock. We expected him to do that. It’s nice to feel confident in him after he’s proven himself.”

Russell ranks fifth in total offense with 1,560 yards.

The Bears have plenty to play for. A win against the Jayhawks makes Baylor bowl eligible.

“That’s huge,” Russell said. “That’s always our first goal – to become bowl eligible. If we win this next one we get that and we’ve achieved that accomplishment. As long we stay focused, go out there and play ball, then we’ll get the win.”