Kerry Meier is one of the best receivers in the nation.

Re-read that sentence if it didn’t quite register. It’s hard for Jayhawk fans to fathom that the 6-3, 220-pound star Kansas recruited to be a quarterback standout has turned into one of the nation’s elite pass catchers.

But Meier has. He has the numbers to prove it. Meier ranks second in the nation in receptions per game with just less than five. He’s 11th in receiving yards per game with more than 102.

The junior receiver doesn’t drop passes. Ever. Junior quarterback Todd Reesing didn’t nickname Meier “Old Faithful” for nothing.

Not only is Meier as reliable as an umbrella in a rainstorm, he also makes plays when the Jayhawks need them most. Reflect back on Kansas’ 37-34 last-second loss to South Florida.

The Jayhawks would have never come back to tie the Bulls if it wasn’t for a key play from Meier. It was third-and-20 from South Florida’s 45-yard line and all hope seemed to be lost for Kansas.

Meier outran the coverage, sprinted down the seam and Reesing found him for a 26-yard completion. The catch set up a touchdown on the next play to tie the game at 34.

Although the defeat overshadowed Meier’s heroics, he would have a chance to shine in a winning effort soon enough. That opportunity came last weekend against Iowa State.

Meier led Kansas with seven catches for 125 yards and once again, made two of the biggest plays of the game. The first came on a fourth-and-7 from the Iowa State 23-yard line with Kansas trailing 20-14. It was every bit as dire of a situation as the aforementioned South Florida conversion.

Meier ran a similar route as the one he did in Tampa and Reesing connected with him perfectly to give the Jayhawks their first lead. Meier added another touchdown later in the game to make the score 35-26, which ultimately assured the Kansas victory.

Meier makes big plays. He has the most trustworthy hands on the team. He’s got the statistics, too. At this rate, Meier is a serious All-American candidate. He’s practically a lock for the All-Big 12 Team.

More people need to start noticing. Perhaps they will tomorrow at Memorial Stadium. When Reesing rolls out to pass in a crucial moment in the game against Colorado, look for one of the best receivers in the nation. Look for Kerry Meier.

IF KANSAS LOSES TOMORROW…

Then, the best case scenario for this season would be a trip to Shreveport, La. for the PetroSun Independence Bowl. That doesn’t sound too inviting.

Sure, Colorado is a solid team. But if the Jayhawks can’t beat the Buffaloes at home, how are they going to compete with Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech and Missouri?

They won’t. Beat Colorado handily and Kansas proves it can win at least one of those games. Lose to the Buffaloes and the Jayhawks might be headed to a 6-6 record because of their brutal schedule.

But Kansas won’t lose. The defense has shown some reasons for optimism. Sophomore defensive end Jake Laptad gives the Jayhawks a steady pass rusher. Senior cornerback Kendrick Harper is at least formidable, which can’t be said for the freshman cornerbacks.

SUPERBAD

Ten years ago, Kansas State and Texas A&M played in the Big 12 Championship Game.

My, how times have changed. This weekend the Wildcats and Aggies will face off at Kyle Field to see which team is more horrendous.

They are clearly the two worst teams in the Big 12 and the loser of the game may go winless in the conference.

Luckily for Big 12 fans, this game will not be televised. Not only would it be painful to watch, but it would hurt the Big 12’s national reputation.

— — Edited by Arthur Hur