Kansas Jayhawks at Illinois Fighting Illini Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/7/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Kansas Jayhawks at Illinois Fighting Illini prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Kansas Jayhawks hit the road to face the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Kansas Jayhawks at Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Kansas Jayhawks -205 (FanDuel) / Illinois Fighting Illini +185 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: 5.5 - Kansas Jayhawks -110 (bet365) / Illinois Fighting Illini -110 (bet365)
Best Total Odds: 55.5 - Under -115 (ESPN BET) / Over -105 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 9/7/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
TV: FS1

Kansas Jayhawks at Illinois Fighting Illini Preview

The Kansas Jayhawks are set to face the Illinois Fighting Illini in what promises to be an intriguing matchup on September 7, 2024, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. Both teams enter the game with a 1-0 record, having secured convincing victories in their season openers. Kansas, under the guidance of head coach Lance Leipold, showcased their offensive prowess with a dominant 48-3 win over Lindenwood. Junior quarterback Jalon Daniels, who played only the first half, threw for 148 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while the team amassed an impressive 331 rushing yards. Devin Neal led the ground attack with 112 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 14 yards per carry.

On the other side, Illinois, led by head coach Brett Bielema, also started their season on a high note. Quarterback Luke Altmyer, a former Ole Miss transfer, delivered a stellar performance, completing 19 of 24 passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns without any interceptions. The Illini's defense, which had been a concern last season, showed significant improvement, limiting their opponent to just 196 total yards and a mere 2.2 yards per carry.

This game marks the first road test for the Jayhawks this season and their first encounter with a Division I FBS opponent. The matchup is particularly intriguing as it pits Kansas, representing the Big 12 Conference, against Illinois from the Big Ten Conference. The Jayhawks will look to replicate their success from last year's meeting, where they emerged victorious with a 34-23 win over Illinois in Lawrence. With both teams eager to maintain their unbeaten records, this clash promises to be a thrilling contest, with Kansas aiming to leverage their offensive firepower and Illinois seeking to capitalize on their defensive resurgence.

Kansas Jayhawks at Illinois Fighting Illini Pick: Kansas Jayhawks Moneyline

The Kansas Jayhawks are poised to continue their strong start to the 2024 season with a victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini. Kansas enters this matchup with significant momentum, having dismantled Lindenwood 48-3 in their season opener. The Jayhawks' offense, led by junior quarterback Jalon Daniels, demonstrated its potency with a balanced attack that amassed 331 rushing yards. Devin Neal's standout performance, rushing for 112 yards and two touchdowns while averaging an impressive 14 yards per carry, highlights the depth and versatility of Kansas' ground game.

In contrast, while Illinois also secured a win in their opener, their opponent was not of the same caliber as Kansas' upcoming challenge. The Illini's defense, which showed improvement by limiting their opponent to 196 total yards, will face a much sterner test against the Jayhawks' high-octane offense. Furthermore, Kansas has the psychological edge, having defeated Illinois 34-23 in their previous encounter last season.

With head coach Lance Leipold at the helm, Kansas has shown a knack for preparing effectively for non-conference games, and this matchup against a Big Ten opponent provides an excellent opportunity to showcase their credentials. The Jayhawks' ability to execute a dynamic offensive strategy, coupled with their recent success against Illinois, makes them the favored choice to secure a win on the road. Therefore, the pick is Kansas Jayhawks Moneyline, as they look to maintain their unbeaten record and continue their ascent in the college football rankings.

Kansas Jayhawks at Illinois Fighting Illini Top Player Prop Picks

Jalon Daniels Over 200.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (FanDuel)

Jalon Daniels, the junior quarterback for the Kansas Jayhawks, is poised for a standout performance against the Illinois Fighting Illini. In the season opener against Lindenwood, Daniels showcased his potential by throwing for 148 yards in just the first half. Given that he was rested for the second half in a game that was already decided, his numbers could have been significantly higher. With Kansas facing a more formidable opponent in Illinois, Daniels is expected to play the entire game, providing ample opportunity to surpass the 200.5 passing yards mark. The Illini defense, while improved, will face a much sterner test against Kansas' dynamic offense, which is likely to rely on Daniels' arm to exploit any defensive weaknesses. This makes the over on his passing yards a compelling choice.

Devin Neal Over 100.5 Rushing Yards Rushing Yards -115 (DraftKings)

Devin Neal's performance in the season opener was nothing short of spectacular, as he rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns while averaging an impressive 14 yards per carry. His ability to break through defenses with ease was evident, and he will be a key component of Kansas' offensive strategy against Illinois. The Illini defense, which allowed only 2.2 yards per carry in their opener, will face a significant challenge in containing Neal. Given his explosive start to the season and the likelihood of a full workload in a competitive matchup, Neal is well-positioned to exceed the 100.5 rushing yards line. His performance will be crucial in setting the tone for Kansas' ground game, making the over on his rushing yards a strong proposition.

Luke Altmyer Under 1.5 Passing Touchdowns Passing Touchdowns +120 (BetMGM)

Luke Altmyer, the Illinois quarterback, had an impressive debut, throwing for four touchdowns without any interceptions. However, the Kansas defense presents a different level of challenge compared to his previous opponent. The Jayhawks, under head coach Lance Leipold, have shown a knack for preparing effectively for non-conference games, and their defense will be focused on limiting Altmyer's impact. With Kansas likely to apply pressure and force Altmyer into making quick decisions, the under on 1.5 passing touchdowns becomes an attractive option. The Jayhawks' defensive strategy will aim to disrupt Altmyer's rhythm and capitalize on any mistakes, making it plausible for him to fall short of the two-touchdown mark.