A versatile passing game can wreak havoc on a defense. Cornerbacks wilt in the face of the pressure that comes with one-on-one coverage, linebackers neglect their assignments in the run game and safeties stay preoccupied with not allowing the deep pass. The Baylor Bears’ passing game is frighteningly versatile, but it doesn’t worry Kansas junior cornerback Aqib Talib.

“It just means that however many times they throw the ball – 55, 60 – we’ll have 55 or 60 opportunities to get our hands on the ball,” Talib said.

So far this season, Baylor has done a decent job of keeping the ball out of the hands of opposing defensive backs. Sophomore quarterback Blake Szymanski’s 302.5 passing yards per game ranks third in the Big 12 Conference and his touchdown-interception ratio is 5-3.

The offense designed by Baylor coach Guy Morriss is based on throwing short, quick passes and spreading ball to a number of different receivers. Sixteen Baylor players have caught one or more passes this season and eight players have hauled in more than 10. Kansas coach Mark Mangino said the Bears had played better than their 3-3 record would suggest so far this season and that their offense would test the Kansas pass defense.

“This team throws the ball very well,” Mangino said. “They’ve got a bunch of guys catching balls and they distribute the ball very well so they put stress on the defense in a lot of areas.”

One year ago, Baylor’s potent passing attack would have provided Kansas plenty of cause for concern considering the weakness of the Jayhawks’ pass defense. The inexperienced and injury-plagued unit finished 2006 ranked last in the nation in passing yards allowed per game and gave up more than 300 passing yards in five games.

This season, sophomore free safety Darrell Stuckey is back at full health and junior strong safety Patrick Resby and freshman cornerback Chris Harris have provided steady play alongside Talib, a 2006 All-Big 12 selection. Junior cornerback Kendrick Harper returned from a preseason arm injury last week and recorded a crucial interception. Reserve free safeties Justin Thornton and Sadiq Muhammed have helped out in third-down situations.

The revamped Kansas secondary is allowing just 161 passing yards per game, which is first in the Big 12 and eighth in the nation. The Jayhawks have intercepted eight passes this season, including five in the last two games, two of which came in the fourth quarter last Saturday against Kansas State. Saturday, Baylor will match its greatest strength – Szymanski — against a secondary that is quickly becoming Kansas’ most prized unit.

“As a secondary, we’re excited because we haven’t had too much action,” Stuckey said. “We’re excited to go up against a team that passes a lot so we can show what we can truly do.”

— Edited by Luke Morris