Last week, the Kansas Jayhawks opened their season with a lightly regarded FCS program. Kansas hosted the Lindenwood Lions and routed them. Now, the Jayhawks will step way up in class with a road game against the Illinois Fighting Illini of the Big Ten. The College Football Betting jury is out in Illinois, and head coach Bret Bielema. Bielema has gone 5-7, 8-5, and 5-7 in his first three seasons at a school that has become a coaching graveyard. Naturally, a loss to Kansas will turn up the heat on Bielema.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 7, 2024, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL |
| TV Coverage: | FS1 |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | -5½ -110 | 55 -110 | – |  |
| Illinois | +5½ -110 | 55 -110 | – | |
| ||||
Illinois Fighting Illini Team Overview
Last game, the Illinois Fighting Illini won 45-0 against FCS EIU as 28.5-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 51. Illinois has a record of 1-0 straight up, 1-0 against the spread, and 0-1 over/under the online wagering Total. In sum, the Illini totaled 486 total yards of offense and six touchdowns, while the orange and blue defense amassed four turnovers while allowing just 49 rushing yards.
Namely, Luke Altmyer tallied a career-high four passing touchdowns in the first half. In comparison, he totaled 213 yards on an efficient 19-for-24 passing. Pat Bryant recorded a team-high five catches for 63 yards and two scores, the second multi-touchdown game of his career. And then Bryant notched touchdown receptions in the first and second quarters.
Kaden Feagin surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career and rushed for a touchdown. He finished his night with 16 carries for a career-best 108 yards, both of which were also team-high marks. Also, Aidan Laughery accumulated ten rushes for 79 yards, with both stats setting new career-best totals.
Tanner Arkin and Malik Elzy accounted for the Illini’s other two receiving scores, while Josh McCray also found the end zone on the ground. Meanwhile, Miles Scott recorded an interception and a forced fumble, Torrie Cox Jr. made an interception, and Dylan Rosiek forced a fumble in the third quarter.
Kansas Jayhawks Team Overview
Last game, the Kansas Jayhawks won 48-3 against FCS Lindenwood as 49.5-point home favorites. The game went under a total of 63.5. Kansas has a record of 1-0 straight up, 0-1 against the spread, and 0-1 over/under the total.
Devin Neal ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns on eight first-half carries. Additionally, Kansas outscored Lindenwood 27-0 in the second quarter at Children’s Mercy Park. Lindenwood, in its third year as an FCS program, played its first game against an FBS opponent.
Overall, Daniels, who played only in the first half for Kansas, was 9 of 15 for 148 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Cause by stadium renovations, the Jayhawks are playing home games in Kansas City—two at Children’s Mercy Park and four at Arrowhead Stadium. Following a three-and-out on Lindenwood’s first series, Kansas marched 65 yards in nine plays for its first touchdown. Neal punched it in from the 5. On the drive, Kansas had to convert a fourth-and-3. But that’s all the offense Kansas could muster in the first quarter.
Kansas at Illinois SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Kansas will offer more College Football Betting value as the quality and proven road team.
Kansas at Illinois SBG Best Bet: Kansas Jayhawks.