The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Kansas Jayhawks meet in week 2 college football action from David Boots Kansas Memorial Stadium on Friday night.

Illini Narrowly Edge Toledo

The Illinois Fighting Illini managed to win their opening game of the season but did not make it easy on themselves thanks to a 30-28 win over Toledo last time out. Luke Altmyer threw for 211 yards, 2 touchdowns and a pick on 18 of 26 passing while also rushing for a team-high 69 yards. Reggie Love III had 58 rushing yards on a team-high 12 carries and Josh McCray added 30 rushing yards and a touchdown. Pat Bryant led Illinois’ receiving group with 6 grabs for 64 yards with both Illinois receiving TDs, while Casey Washington and Isaiah Williams each had 50+ receiving yards as well in the win. On defense, Dylan Rosiek had a team-high 8 total tackles while Tarique Barnes had 7 total tackles and a sack. Miles Scott added a 48-yard pick-six as well for Illinois in the victory.

Illinois Fighting Illini Team Facts

– Illinois has lost each of its last nine September games as an underdog.

– Illinois has covered the spread in eight of its last nine road games.

– Illinois has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.

– Illinois has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.

– Eight of Illinois’ last nine September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Jayhawks Stomp Missouri State

The Kansas Jayhawks started their 2022 campaign with an emphatic 48-17 win over Missouri State last time out. Jason Bean threw for 276 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 of 28 passing while Devin Neal rushed for a team-high 94 yards and a touchdown. Sevion Morrison added 41 rushing yards with a score as well and the aforementioned Bean racked up 41 yards on the ground also. Dylan McDuffie and Daniel Hishaw Jr. also chipped in rushing TDs in the win while Lawrence Arnold and Quentin Skinner each had a team-high 4 catches for 77 yards. Luke Grimm and Devin Neal each had a touchdown grab as well in the victory. On defense, Rich Miller and Hayden Hatcher each had a team-high 7 total tackles while Jereme Robinson had a sack and Cobee Bryant and Kwinton Lassiter each had an interception as well in the winning effort.

Kansas Jayhawks Team Facts

– The favorite has won each of Kansas’ last nine games.

– Kansas has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams.

– Kansas has won the first half in seven of its last eight home games against non-conference opponents.

– Each of Kansas’ last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

– Kansas ranked 21st among FBS teams for points per game last season (35.6).

– Kansas ranked T21st among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.615).

– Illinois ranked 1st among FBS teams for H2 points allowed per game last season (6.1).

– Illinois ranked 2nd among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (3.5).

Chris’ Pick

I’m sticking with Kansas here. It’s hard to get a read on the Jayhawks after beating up on an FCS opponent, but I really didn’t love what I saw from the Illini even in the win. Illinois managed to sneak out the W, but they made life a lot more uncomfortable for themselves than it needed to be, and while Jason Bean isn’t Dequan Finn, the Illini had trouble with one dual threat QB already and I think this Kansas offense could be problematic for Illinois. All in all, I think Kansas manages to get it done at home, getting the win and cover here.