Jayhawks vs. Fighting Illini Odds & Betting Predictions - September 7, 2024

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice Kansas' offensive firepower, led by the dynamic Jalon Daniels, sets this game up for a potential shootout. The Jayhawks, fresh off a 48-0 demolition of Lindenwood, are coming into this matchup with an offense that returns key skill-position players. Daniels, despite playing only three games last season due to injury, was incredibly efficient, posting an 80.4 PFF passing grade while excelling in deep-ball accuracy, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. Alongside him, Devin Neal adds another dimension to the Kansas offense with his explosive rushing ability, having averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2023 with 16 touchdowns. Neal’s standout performance against Illinois last season, where he ran for 120 yards on just 10 carries, highlights his potential to gash the Illini defense again. Illinois' defense is in a precarious position heading into this game. Last season, they ranked 110th in Defensive Line Yards, even with NFL-level talent on the roster. With the loss of their top two defensive linemen, Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph, to the NFL, Illinois is now reliant on transfers who haven't proven themselves at the collegiate level. This should give Kansas a significant edge on the ground. The Jayhawks' offensive line, capable of creating rushing lanes, is primed to exploit Illinois’ depleted defensive front, setting up the potential for long, sustained drives or explosive plays that will push the scoring higher. While Kansas is expected to move the ball efficiently, their defense still has concerns. Despite some improvement last season, the Jayhawks finished outside the top 100 in Defensive Success Rate. They return key pieces, especially in the secondary and at linebacker, but their front seven remains a weak spot. Illinois managed to average 4.1 Line Yards per rush against Kansas last year, and although they’ve lost some offensive pieces, they still possess enough firepower to capitalize on Kansas' defensive vulnerabilities. Bret Bielema’s Illinois team had an impressive start to their season, blanking Eastern Illinois 45-0, but this Kansas offense will present a far stiffer challenge. Illinois' offensive line, while not elite, has the potential to keep the chains moving against a Kansas defense that struggles to generate consistent pressure or stop the run. The extra preparation time after their Week 1 Thursday night game also gives Illinois a small edge in adjusting to the Jayhawks' attack.