No. 1: Baylor QB Bryce Petty (Last ranking: 1)
Even though Petty was out with a back injury for the Bears’ second game, he still managed to throw for 577 yards and six touchdowns against two FBS opponents total this season. Petty’s leadership and knowledge of the game make him one of the most lethal passers in the nation.
Petty has diced up opponents for his entire starting career and is looking like Baylor’s second Heisman candidate in the last three years if he continues on his current pace.
No. 2: K-State QB Jake Waters (Last ranking: 2)
After a bye week during week three, Waters will look to perform in a big way against Auburn. The game is very likely the biggest that the senior has played in during his stay in Manhattan.
Waters has transformed his game over his first two outings. He has managed to keep growing in his passing game, throwing for 462 yards in only two games.
The most improved aspect of Waters’ game is his ability to scramble and make yards when there seems to be none available. With 193 rushing yards so far, Waters leads the conference with 96.5 rushing yards per game.
No. 3: Oklahoma QB Trevor Knight (Last ranking: 3)
Going into 2014-15, Knight was overlooked by most people for being an elite Big 12 quarterback. With three games under his belt this season, Knight has already thrown for 860 yards.
Knight has had plenty of help from his young running back corps and because of his ability to pass the ball at a high level, there has been more open space for his running backs to get to the second and third level of the defense. Watch for Knight to continue his success against West Virginia.
No. 4: Baylor WR KD Cannon (Last ranking: NR)
Coming out of high school as a highly touted target, Cannon has shown elite capability as the main target in the high-powered Bears offense. Accounting for 471 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the air, Cannon is a matchup nightmare for teams who have to plan around all of the other Bears’ stars.
Averaging 157 receiving yards per game, Cannon leads the Big 12 in receiving yards per contest. Cannon also leads the conference in all-purpose yards, averaging 158.3 yards.
If Cannon keeps his receiving numbers high, which will start being a challenge when the Bears begin to play teams with decent defenses, he will continue to climb the list of the best offensive players in the conference.
No. 5: K-State WR Tyler Lockett (Last ranking: 4)
Lockett stays in the top five with his ability to make elite-caliber plays. In his last outing, the senior had six receptions for 136 yards. His playmaking ability was one of the reasons that the Wildcats came back to win at Iowa State on Sept. 6.
His speed allows him to beat defenders off the ball and down the field to get open. He also has enough control over his body and hands to reel in most balls thrown his way.
The Wildcats will need Lockett to continue the production he showed against the Cyclones in order to beat Auburn tonight.
