The No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks will look to establish themselves as a contender for the expanded College Football Playoff as they visit an improved Illinois Fighting Illini team on Saturday.
Kansas (1-0) is a slight favorite in the college football odds over Illinois (1-0) this weekend after both teams had their way against overmatched FCS opponents in Week 1.
My Kansas vs. Illinois predictions break down why the Illini have no chance at getting revenge for last year’s loss to the Jayhawks in our free college football picks for September 7.
Kansas vs Illinois prediction
My best bet
Kansas -4.5 (-115 at BetMGM)
My analysis
Kansas was one of the college football world’s most pleasant surprises last year, going 9-4 and winning its first bowl game since 2008. It was a remarkable turnaround for a team that had gone winless as recently as 2020.
The Jayhawks were particularly effective on offense and could have done even more if it wasn’t for losing quarterback Jalon Daniels to a season-ending injury three games into the season. Daniels had thrown for five touchdowns with a 74.7% completion rate in three wins before missing the rest of the year.
Even if Daniels is still working his way back into game shape against Illinois this weekend, Kansas has other weapons they can rely on. Senior running back Devin Neal promises to remain a focal point after running for 1,280 yards and 16 scores last year, and he can be an occasional weapon out of the passing game as well. Neal ran for 120 yards and a score last year against Illinois, complementing a strong game by Daniels, who threw two touchdowns in the matchup.
Illinois hasn’t had a great defensive front over the past season or two, which makes me question whether it’ll be able to do much to slow down the Kansas offense. While the Illini have some solid offensive weapons of their own, neither quarterback Luke Altmyer nor running back Kaden Feagin is the kind of explosive threat that will be able to keep up with the Jayhawks in a track meet.
Altmyer inflicted damage on the ground for Illinois last year, but he wasn’t able to throw the ball well, tossing two interceptions and just one touchdown. The Kansas secondary remains a strength, and if the Jayhawks can put the Illini in third-and-long situations regularly, that could make it a little easier for them to negate Altmyer’s scrambling ability.
The Illini haven't won a game against a ranked non-conference opponent since 2011, and they won't hold up to a Jayhawks program that boasts superior weapons on offense and is more likely to make stands on defense.
Kansas vs Illinois same-game parlay (SGP)
Kansas -4.5
Over 57.5
Devin Neal anytime touchdown
I’m expecting the Jayhawks to have their way with the Illini on Saturday, and it should come via their offensive output. That’s why my same-game parlay is focused on scoring, particularly on Kansas’ side.
Along with picking the Jayhawks to cover, I’m also taking the Over at 57.5 points. Kansas scored over 30 points in nine games last season, and the Illinois offense looks much improved in 2024.
Still, it’s the Jayhawks who will be getting most of the points. Running back Devin Neal should find the end zone this weekend, just as he did twice against Lindenwood last week. Neal scored 17 times for Kansas last year and is a safe bet to repeat that production this season.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Kansas vs Illinois odds
Kansas vs Illinois live odds
Kansas vs Illinois opening odds
- Spread: Kansas -5.5 (-115) | Illinois +5.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Kansas -225 | Illinois +185
- Over/Under: Over X55.5 (-110) | Under 55.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Kansas vs Illinois spread and Over/Under analysis
- Kansas is 0-1 against the spread so far in 2024, while Illinois has a 1-0 ATS mark after its blowout win over Eastern Illinois.
- The Jayhawks beat the Fighting Illini in their only meeting last season, prevailing 34-23 to cover a 3.5-point spread.
- The Over held an identical 6-5-1 edge in both Kansas’ and Illinois’ games last season.
Kansas vs Illinois betting trend to know
Kansas is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games overall. Find more college football betting trends for Kansas vs. Illinois.
Kansas vs Illinois game info
| Location: | Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-7-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
Kansas vs Illinois latest injuries
Kansas vs Illinois weather
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