Sep 63 min read

No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks to Be Tested by Feisty Illini Squad

Devin Neal — © Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal/USA TODAY SPORTS

The No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) will travel to Champaign, Ill., for a clash with the Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) on Sept. 7 at 7 pm EST. Kansas will be tested in a "prove-it-or-lose-it" style game against what will be a very strong Illinois team looking for revenge after last season's 34-23 loss in Lawrence, Kan.

What's At Stake

The Jayhawks were ranked No. 22 in The Associated Press Preseason Top 25 poll. It was the first time they were nationally ranked since 2009, when Kansas spent seven weeks in the AP Top 25. With this ranking in its pocket, Kansas aspires to win a Big 12 Conference title this season. Head coach Lance Leipold has breathed new life into this team. Last season, Kansas finished 9-4 and defeated UNLV 49-36 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Kansas won its opener 48-3 over the Lindenwood Lions (0-1) last week.

Illinois is similar to Kansas in that it is a program that has historically struggled but has shown signs of success. But the Fighting Illini have struggled to get over that hump, going 5-7 in 2021 and 2023.

Key Players: Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks must deal with a strong Illinois front seven, perhaps even stronger than last season's version. However, Kansas returns one of the best backfields in the country. It still has some versatile playmakers on offense.

Devin Neal, Running Back

Neal dominated the Illini defense last year, carrying the ball 10 times for 120 yards and a touchdown. He had 4 catches for 47 yards, averaging about 12 yards a play. Neal wasn't the only top producer in Kansas' run game last season, but he led it with authority. He will be expected to do so again this season. Given that he is a Walker Award and Maxwell Award preseason candidate, this is a game where he can show why he was selected.

Jalon Daniels, Quarterback

Daniels showed flashes of excellence in last year's clash. It included a masterful drive near halftime that featured a 48-yard bomb to Luke Grimm. It set up a Daniel Hishaw Jr. touchdown. This season, Daniels has shown off his arm and that connection to Grimm. The Daniels-Grimm connection will prove valuable against a weakened Illini secondary.

Marvin Grant, Safety

Last year's game was close because of Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer's running ability. Look for Grant to play an important role in keeping Altmyer from breaking off long runs. Grant, a senior, loves to play up and play the run.

Key Players: Illinois Fighting Illini

Last season, Illinois was down 28-7 at halftime. They cannot allow this high-flying, fast-tempo Kansas offense to do that again. Kansas' run defense should be weaker, though.

Luke Altmyer, Quarterback

Altmeyer was impressive with his legs against Kansas in 2023, scrambling for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns. Hopefully, he won't have to run for his life like he did for most of last season. The Jayhawks will likely prepare for it this time, but hopefully some passing lanes and run lanes for running back Kaden Feagin will open up.

Pat Bryant, Wide Receiver

Bryant will draw attention from the Kansas defense. Should Kansas' defense bite, it can leave Bryant open over the top. Bryant showed what he could do against Eastern Illinois (0-1), catching 5 passes for 63 yards and 2 touchdowns.

TeRah Edwards, Defensive Lineman

Edwards will force Daniels to work out of the pocket and force runs to the outside for this solid linebacking corps to handle. At 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, Edwards will pose a challenge for this Jayhawks' offensive line. He will play an important role for this front seven to wreck this Jayhawk attack.

Style or Physicality: Which Prevails?

The Jayhawks have speed and versatility on their side, while the Illini have physicality. It all comes down to who can control the field of play. Kansas will have to be bruising in its defensive attack, making big hits and force the Illini to make mistakes.

Kansas had the Illini's number last year. Illinois' playbook remains the same this season. As long as Kansas plays its game, this should be a Jayhawks win.

Kansas is favored for a reason. Daniels and the Jayhawks won last season with its shock-and-awe offense and bruising, physical defense. The Jayhawks pass rush still looks poised for another big year. Expect much of the same this go-around. Kansas should win, 35-24.