When you have an extra minute or two, do you like to peruse obscure football statistics? I’m talking about the stats way down at the end of the list after rushing, passing, receiving and punting.

Most fans don’t bother.

Yet when a team is performing beyond expectations, like Kansas University is, curiosity makes stats more appealing. Why is KU winning? Offense? Yes, the offense has been potent. Is it the defense? Well, not really. What about the special teams? Ah, now we’re talking.

Common discussion about special teams usually begins and ends with the punter and place-kicker. That’s too superficial. Special teams also means punt and kickoff returns and punt and kickoff coverage, and KU has excelled in those areas in the first five games.

The Jayhawks rank in the top five nationally in kick and punt returns, 14th nationally in net punting and they lead the Big 12 Conference in kickoff coverage, surrendering fewer than 17 yards per return.

Another obscure statistic that punctuates KU’s fast start is penalties. Missouri leads the league with the fewest penalty yards per game at 41.0, but KU is just behind at 41.2.

Admittedly, during the next seven weeks, those numbers could change drastically, but in the meantime they are clear indicators why Kansas has already won twice as many games as it did last season.

So the next time you hear a coach prattle on about how important special teams are, regard it as more than coach-speak. Special teams are meaningful, and Kansas is proof.

Meanwhile, I can only hope my Wanna Whack Woodling picks this week will be more meaningful. I took the pipe last week with 90 people whacking my Big 12 selections.

¢Whack Woodling: 2003 season, week 7

If you Wanna Whack Woodling, go to KUsports.com. It’s easy, and you might win a T-shirt.

Here are this week’s picks:

Oklahoma State 24, Kansas State 19 — After nine straight losses to Kansas State, Cowboys will cowboy up, lasso the Wildcats and climb into the Top 25. ‘Cats can’t stop WR Rashaun Woods. Attention OSU officials: Your goal posts are in danger.

Texas A&M 49, Baylor 9 — Bears come back to earth after last week’s stunning win over Colorado, and Aggies shake off last week’s aerial bombardment at Texas Tech. Baylor hasn’t won a conference road game since Amos Alonzo Stagg retired.

Texas 23, Oklahoma 20 — Sooners have scored more than 50 points in each of their last three games, but they’re ripe for a comeuppance at the hands of their archrival. Texas offense is so-so, but defense and special teams are terrific.

Nebraska 36, Missouri 12 — Cornmen have won 11 straight in Columbia, Mo., and 24 in a row over Tigers, who have neither the offense nor the defense to handle the unbeaten and stampeding red horde. Talented Mizzou QB Brad Smith treading water with pedestrian wide receivers.

Texas Tech 66, Iowa State 33 — There’s no reason to think Iowa State can stop Tech QB B.J. Symons — particularly in Lubbock, Texas — when nobody else has. Red Raiders may not be tested until they meet Texas and Oklahoma in their last two regular-season games.

Kansas 42, Colorado 31 — Banged-up and embarrassed by last week’s loss at Baylor, Buffaloes will man the ramparts in Boulder, Colo., but they don’t have the bodies to contain KU’s diverse offense and quietly effective special teams.