Illinois vs. Kansas Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds
The Illinois Fighting Illini are in Kansas, taking on the Jayhawks this Friday. Matt McCuen breaks down his Illinois vs. Kansas prediction, pick against the spread, and the latest odds. Tail this college football pick.
Matt McCuen - September 8, 2023, 9:19 AM EDT
5 minIllinois vs. Kansas Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds
The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Kansas Jayhawks will clash from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Friday night.
Illinois vs. Kansas Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: September 8, 2023
- Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN2
Illinois vs. Kansas Odds
- Spread: Illinois +3 (-110), Kansas -3 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 57 (-108), U 57 (-109)
- Moneyline Odds: Illinois (+140), Kansas (-155)
Illinois vs. Kansas Prediction
Illinois survived a close game on Saturday afternoon as they beat Toledo 30-28. Illinois trailed 28-27 with less than three minutes to go. The Illini had one possession to win the game, and quarterback Luke Altmyer drove the team down the field to set up a game-winning field goal.
Altmeyer, a sophomore from Starkville, Mississippi, looked good in his first start of the season. The sophomore threw for 211 yards, paired with two passing touchdowns and one interception. In addition, Altmeyer rushed for 69 yards.
Pat Bryant and Casey Washington led the attack through the air. The two combined for 108 receiving yards while Bryant pulled in two touchdown passes.
The Illinois defense was up and down throughout the game and will have to be much more consistent moving forward if they want to succeed in the Big Ten. Sophomore Dylan Rosiek led the team in tackles with eight.
Kansas won their week one game versus Missouri State by a final score of 48-17. Backup Quarterback Jason Bean got the nod and delivered. Bean threw for 276 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The Jayhawks rushed for two hundred 25 yards on 38 carries (an average of 6.4 per carry). Kansas rushed for four touchdowns, including one by starting running back David Neal.
Wide Receivers Lawrence Arnold and Quentin Skinner both ended the game with 77 receiving yards.
The defense has been the biggest issue for Kansas over the years. The Jayhawks struggled in conference play a season ago, and if they want to compete in the conference this year, they will need to take a major leap on defense. Senior Rich Miller and Senior Hayden Hatcher led the team in Week 1 with seven tackles each.
Illinois vs. Kansas Pick
Jalon Daniels will return for the Jayhawks on Friday night. Daniels was voted as the preseason Big 12 player offensive player of the year.
Daniels dealt with a back injury in the summer, which is why he did not play last weekend. Daniels threw for 2,014 yards, 18 touchdowns, and four interceptions in 2022.
Daniels will be a tough matchup for a below-average Illinois defense. The Illini allowed 28 points to Toledo, and with all due respect to Toledo, they are not nearly as talented as this Kansas offense.
On the flip side, I was encouraged by what I saw on defense from Kansas. At home, the Jayhawks will cover this three-point spread.
Pick: Kansas -3 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
College Football Odds
