Take one look at Kansas University’s statistical domination through the September portion of the football schedule, and it’s easy to see why Kansas joins Missouri as the only undefeated teams in the Big 12 Conference.

The Jayhawks (4-0) are first in the Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) in scoring defense, allowing just 5.8 points per game. No. 1 LSU and No. 4 Ohio State are right behind.

It doesn’t end there, though. KU also is first in kickoff returns with a 32.8-yard average and is in the top five in total offense, scoring offense, pass defense, total defense and tackles for loss.

“That’s one of the things we try to pride ourselves in,” linebacker Joe Mortensen said last week. “Being one of the top teams up there. Defense, offense, we’re up there, and we want to keep that up.”

Obviously, the quality of KU’s first four opponents – Central Michigan, Southeastern Louisiana, Toledo and Florida International – has something to do with KU’s bloated statistics. But asterisk aside, it’s a start the Jayhawks are happy with.

“If you’re putting up big statistics, you’re doing something right,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “I’m not going to be one of those guys who says that stats aren’t important. Stats can lead you to an area that might be successful for your team. But I’m more looking into the execution of those plays and how we can continue to make them better.”

¢ A ranked opponent: As if Saturday’s in-state showdown between Kansas and Kansas State didn’t mean a lot already, now one of the teams is ranked.

K-State, fresh off a 41-21 beatdown of No. 7 Texas, has cracked the Associated Press Top 25. The Wildcats are ranked 24th, one spot ahead of Nebraska.

Kansas received three points in the poll.

¢ KU the underdog: Kansas State opened Sunday night as a 2 1/2-point favorite for the in-state showdown.

It’s just the second time Kansas has been an underdog in its last nine games. The Jayhawks were a seven-point ‘dog against Missouri last year.