Game: Illinois Fighting Illini @ Kansas Jayhawks
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Odds: Illini +3, Jayhawks -3
Total: 56.5
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer engineered a late drive that culminated in a 29-yard field goal by Caleb Griffin for a 30-28 victory last Saturday. That saved Illinois from a demoralizing first-week loss to Toledo. Tonight, Altmyer and the Fighting Illini travel to Lawrence, Kansas, for their first encounter with the Jayhawks since 1968. Illinois and head coach Bret Bielema will try and make it 2-0 on the new season.
Altmeyer, an Ole Miss transfer, made the most of his Illinois debut. He ran for a team-high 69 yards on nine carries while completing 18-of-26 throws for 211 yards and two touchdowns. On a key fourth down, he completed a 33-yard pass to Casey Washington that helped complete a 64-yard drive that eventually won the game for the Illini.
Bielema thought his quarterback played well. He was impressed with his presence and demeanor with the game on the line. How Bielema felt about his team’s defensive performance is a whole other story. The Illini defense was one of the best in the nation last year and was a big reason why Illinois contended for the Big Ten West Division crown last year.
In the opener with Toledo, the Rockets collected 416 total yards and 27 first downs against the Illini defense. Toledo had a time of possession advantage of nearly six minutes. That kept the ball away from Altmeyer and the Illinois offense.
Illinois will need to play much better defense against a 1-0 Jayhawks club that is hoping to have quarterback Jalon Daniels back. The Jayhawks star missed last Friday’s 48-17 demolition of FCS opponent Missouri State due to a back issue. Daniels is expected to play tonight, but if he doesn’t backup Jason Bean will be ready.
Bean was all over the Missouri State defense last week for 276 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He completed 22-of-28 passes in the season opener. Daniels probably could have played, but it wasn’t necessary. Kansas head coach Lance Leipold has not decided whether Daniels or Bean would start the game tonight. However, it is likely that Daniels gets the call.
The Jayhawks were forced to play many of their starters for most of their first game. Even though Kansas outgained the Bears 521-217, Missouri State had a 10-7 lead at one point early in the game and was still within 27-17 after scoring on the first play of the fourth quarter.
In the overall series against the Jayhawks, the Illini hold a 3-2 advantage. It will be their first meeting in Lawrence since 1892. Illinois has covered in eight of its last nine road games and the Illini are 10-5 SU in their last 15 games overall. Kansas is 5-2 SU in its last seven games, but they have failed to cover in five straight. Illinois had the No. 1-ranked scoring defense in all of college football last season. The Illini held opponents to an average of just 12.8 points per game.
Join Oskeim Sports today and save 20% on your first purchase at the online store!