Kansas tight end Kent Taylor (81) comes down with the ball on his helmet after being taken off his feet by Rutgers defensive back Kiy Hester (2) during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Stop me if this sounds familiar, but the next opponent on the Kansas University football schedule presents the best opportunity for a Jayhawks victory of all remaining games.

The same was true before Kansas played South Dakota State in the season-opener and again was the case as KU (0-3) ventured to New Jersey to face Rutgers.

Still, Las Vegas oddsmakers have made Kansas a two-touchdown underdog in Ames, so it will take an upset for the Jayhawks to win Saturday. The Cyclones rank last in the Big 12 with 23.7 points per game and last with 115.7 rushing yards.

The revenge-minded Cyclones (1-2), who have lost to Iowa and Toledo this season, have a more experienced roster than KU, plus the homefield advantage, plus had two weeks to prepare for the game and to rest aching bodies.

Defensively challenged KU still hasn’t played three of the nation’s top five teams in average total yards per game. Five Top-25 teams lie in wait.

If ISU doesn’t represent the best remaining shot at a victory, look at the remainder of a brutal schedule and name a more vulnerable foe.

No. 5 Baylor (Oct. 10, 11 a.m.): The Bears lead the nation with 379.7 rushing yards per game, 7.8 yards per carry, an average of 767 total yards and 9.55 yards per play.

Quarterback Seth Russell (12.44 yards per pass attempt, 15 touchdown passes, four interceptions) is one of three quarterbacks in the Big 12 building a case for Heisman Trophy consideration, with another knocking on the door of doing so. Recruited to Kansas by then-wide-receivers coach David Beaty, when he was working for Turner Gill, Russell committed to KU and then switched to Baylor after Dayne Crist decided to come to Kansas.

Shock Linwood (363 yards, 8.6 yards per carry), Terence Williams (305, 7.4) and Johnny Jefferson (235, 10.2) and Russell (91, 9.1) have combined for 903 of the Bears’ 1,139 rushing yards in three games. Memphis scored 55 points vs. KU. Depending on how charitable Baylor coach Art Briles is feeling, a 100-point day is in play for the Bears.

Texas Tech (Oct. 17): Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, son of former right-hander of major-league fame Pat Mahomes has led the surprising Red Raiders to a 3-1 start. The sophomore has averaged 8.83 yards per throw, has 11 touchdown passes and three interceptions and has run for 165 yards. The Heisman hype has started. Why not?

At No. 20 Oklahoma State (Oct. 24): The Cowboys don’t have a prolific offense by Big 12 standards, but bring plenty of speed and toughness on defense, allowing 15.5 points and a league-best 299.8 yards per game.

No. 15 Oklahoma (Oct. 31): Kansas football fans praying for another 11 a.m. kickoff for this one so they can partake in Halloween festivities. Otherwise, the crowd could be shockingly small. Those who do show up will have a chance to see how much Baker Mayfield has improved since he was a freshman walk-on for Texas Tech. Mayfield 9.96 yards per pass attempt, 10 touchdown passes, two interceptions, 139 rushing yards) is on pace to gain consideration as a Heisman candidate, although that might be a little premature.

At Texas (Nov. 7, 7 p.m.): Kansas has made six trips to Austin, seeks its first victory there and twice did not score a point. Average score: 50-13. Texas has found ways to beat itself, but the size and speed disparity should help the Longhorns to build a big lead.

At No. 4 TCU, (Nov. 14): Trevone Boykin, the Big 12’s top Heisman hopeful, gives defenses fits every week. He has thrown 14 TD passes, three interceptions and averages 9.61 yards per pass attempt. He has rushed for 190 yards. Plus, the Horned Frogs won’t take KU lightly, remembering their near-loss in Lawrence last season.

No.23 West Virginia (Nov. 21): The Mountaineers always have a deep-threat receiver. His name this year is Shelton Gibson (27.4 yards per catch, four touchowns in three games). And the West Virginia defense is the team’s greatest strength. Opponents score 7.7 points per game.

Kansas State (Nov. 28): The Wildcats might not be as strong this season as in the past few, but Bill Snyder always makes this game a priority and his teams tend to improve more than most during the course of a season. Post-Mark Mangino, KU is 0-5 vs. Kansas State by an average score of 51-13.

KU’s remaining nine opponents are a combined 25-6.