Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0)
September 7, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Illinois Fighting Illini +5.5 / Kansas Jayhawks -5.5; Over/Under: +55.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Kansas Jayhawks and Illinois Fighting Illini meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Memorial Stadium. Here’s an Illinois vs Kansas Prediction. This article will include an Illinois vs Kansas Pick.
Kansas Jayhawks Betting Preview
The Kansas Jayhawks beat Lindenwood opening week and play UNLV and West Virginia next. Kansas looks for a third straight 2-0 start to the season. Jalon Daniels is completing 60 percent of his passes for 148 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Luke Grimm and Lawrence Arnold have combined for 140 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Quentin Skinner has 1 reception.
The Kansas Jayhawks’ ground game is averaging 331 yards per contest, and Devin Neal leads the way with 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Kansas is allowing 3 points and 202 yards per game. Cornell Wheeler leads the Kansas Jayhawks with 5 tackles, Dean Miller has 1 sack and Mello Dotson has 1 interception.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini shut out Eastern Illinois opening week and plays Central Michigan and Nebraska next. Illinois looks for its first 2-0 start since the 2019 season. Luke Altmyer is completing 79.2 percent of his passes for 213 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Pat Bryant and Malik Elzy have combined for 114 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Ashton Hollins has 2 receptions.
The Illinois Fighting Illini ground game is averaging 244 yards per contest, and Kaden Feagin leads the way with 108 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Illinois is allowing 0 points and 196 yards per game. Matthew Bailey leads the Illinois Fighting Illini with 6 tackles, Joe Barna has 1 sack and Miles Scott has 1 interception.
Why the Kansas Jayhawks will win
- Kansas has won each of its last eight September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has lost each of its last 11 September games as an underdog.
- Illinois has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 10 games at Memorial Stadium (Champaign).
- The road team has covered the spread in seven of Illinois’ last eight games.
- Kansas has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Kansas has won the first half in eight of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Illinois’ last six September games as an underdog has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of Kansas’ last seven September road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois ranks T1st among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (0.0).
- Illinois ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Kansas ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Kansas ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
Illinois vs Kansas Prediction
I was high on the Kansas Jayhawks last season, and I like them this year as well. Kansas has a good head coach for a change and an explosive quarterback to where the Jayhawks can make a run. With that said, we’re getting a decent number of points with an Illinois team at home that’s not terrible and should have a point to prove early in the season.
Also, Illinois is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when an underdog of 5 or more points. Illinois has outright won 4 of its last 6 covers when an underdog of 5 or more points. The Memorial Stadium should be rocking under the lights. Give me Illinois and the points.
