BY ASHER FUSCO

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of three previews of the Kansas football team’s 2007 schedule.

October 6 — at Kansas State

The first Sunflower Showdown of the Ron Prince era undoubtedly left Kansas State fans with a bad taste in their mouths. Last November, the Wildcats marched into Memorial Stadium on the heels of an impressive victory against Texas and were soundly beaten by the Jayhawks. Despite the setback in Lawrence, Kansas State enjoyed a successful 7-6 season with Prince at the helm. With super-prospect quarterback Josh Freeman one year older and reportedly 20 pounds heavier, Kansas State should have little trouble improving from one year ago. Freeman had a poor showing in the team’s spring game, completing fewer than half of his passes and throwing two interceptions. But if his steady growth last season is any indication, Freeman will be just fine. The Wildcats lose five defensive starters but return star defensive end Ian Campbell. Campbell, who had 11.5 sacks last season, will present the first true test for a Kansas offensive line that replaces three starters. Though the Jayhawks are not too far behind the Wildcats in the talent department, the atmosphere in Manhattan should help the home team.

Projection: LOSS – 4-1 (0-1)

October 13 — Baylor

Make no mistake about it: Baylor football is on the rise. After years of futility, the Bears posted a 3-5 conference mark last year and topped the Jayhawks in a late October matchup. Since the arrival of coach Guy Morriss in 2002, Baylor has won twice as often as it did in the previous five years. Baylor will be even better in 2007 because of the turnover on its roster. The loss of seven offensive starters might be a godsend for Morriss, who could use some new athletes to plug into his up-tempo system. Long-time quarterback Shawn Bell has moved on, leaving sophomore Blake Szymanski and senior Michael Machen to battle for the starting job. The Bears lost both of their cornerbacks to the NFL this offseason but return second team All-Big 12 linebacker Joe Pawelek. Inexperience at the quarterback position against what looks to be a formidable Kansas secondary will keep Baylor from leaving Lawrence with a victory.

Projection: WIN – 5-1 (1-1)

October 20 — at Colorado

The Colorado Buffaloes endured some serious growing pains in their first season under coach Dan Hawkins. First, there was a forgettable 2-10 season that included a loss to Division 1-AA Montana State. Next, there was Hawkins’ unforgettable offseason tirade accusing his players of lacking the toughness to compete in the Big 12 Conference. The big story in Boulder heading into the 2007 season is the battle for playing time at quarterback. Top candidates for the job include junior college transfer Nick Nelson and redshirt freshman Cody Hawkins, who happens to be the son of the coach. No matter who comes out on top, chances are they will improve upon last season’s 116th-ranked pass offense. Colorado’s one bright spot is at running back, where the elusive Hugh Charles is one of the conference’s best. Kansas barely defeated Colorado last season in a home game, so it is hard to imagine the Jayhawks defeating a much-improved Colorado team.

Projection: LOSS – 5-2 (1-2)

October 27 — at Texas A&M

Texas A&M narrowly edged Kansas in last year’s matchup. This time around, things should not be as hard for the Aggies. Not only does Texas A&M hold home field advantage, it possesses a strong core of players who gained experience last season and who are maturing steadily. Quarterback Stephen McGee was rusty at the beginning of the 2006 campaign but blossomed into one of the best signal callers in the Big 12 by the end of the season. McGee, a junior, is an early candidate for the 2007 Big 12 player of the year. Also returning to A&M is running back Jorvorskie Lane. The 274-pound behemoth became a fan favorite on his way to a school record 19 rushing touchdowns in 2006. Defense is where the Aggies truly shine. Linebacker Mark Dodge is the team’s top returning defensive player. An absolutely mammoth defensive line anchored by 324-pound tackle Red Bryant should disrupt the Kansas running game and challenge undersized center Ryan Cantrell. When the Jayhawks come calling in late October, the Aggies may still be undefeated. When the Jayhawks leave College Station, the Aggies will most likely still be undefeated.

Projection: LOSS – 5-3 (1-3)

Kansan sportswriter Asher Fusco can be contacted at afusco@kansan.com.

— Edited by Will McCullough