The buildup and hype coming into the 2024 season was at a level it had never been in Lawrence. This is the team that Kansas Jayhawks fans have been dreaming about for the past 15 years, and the season got off to a great start. However, following a 48-3 throttling of Lindenwood in the rearview mirror, Week 2 should offer a significantly tougher test for Coach Leipold and the Jayhawks. It’s Kansas vs. Illinois to enter Week 2 as the Jayhawks travel to Champaign.
Kansas vs. Illinois Matchup History
After hosting Illinois last season, Kansas will travel to Champaign this year to face off against the Illini. This will be the seventh matchup all-time between the schools, with the current record being split at three games each. Kansas won last year’s matchup, turning a 28-7 halftime lead into a 34-23 victory. That win marked the second in a row against Illinois. However, they are just 1-3 in Champaign.
Key Players for the Kansas Jayhawks
For the Jayhawks, it’s the usual suspects carrying the workload, especially on offense. Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema said Kansas QB Jalon Daniels is “an incredibly talented player that has a very accurate ball … He’s got a great direction, he’s got great accuracy.”
Daniels threw for 148 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in his one half of work in the season opener. Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw were the offensive catalysts, combining for 178 yards and three touchdowns on just 17 touches. After combining for 265 yards and a pair of scores in their matchup last season, the Illinois defensive gameplan will likely be heavily focused on making the Jayhawk offense one-dimensional.
On defense, Jereme Robinson had a good start to his “replace Austin Booker” campaign. Although he had just one tackle, it was a sack which forced a 3rd & 18 (and later a punt) for the Lions.
Behind him, Cornell Wheeler was the co-leading tackler for the Jayhawks, while JB Brown, Taiwan Berryhill, and Jayson Gilliom all added multiple tackles from the linebacker position.
In the secondary, Mello Dotson picked up right where he left off. He became the school’s all-time leader in pick-sixes, while also collecting five tackles. OJ Burroughs also showed major flashes, with three passes defensed. While the defense won’t be the calling card for this team, the fact that they took care of business against a far inferior opponent is a good sign. They will be put to the test in Week 2.
Key Players for the Illinois Illini
For the Illini, their season opener was also a blowout win. A 45-0 win over Eastern Illinois showcased a dynamic offense and a stout defense.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw for 213 yards and four touchdowns on just 24 attempts. He did a good job spreading the ball around, with seven different players catching multiple passes. Pat Bryant and Malik Elzy were the biggest beneficiaries, with 114 yards and three touchdowns between the pair.
Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery dominated on the ground, combining for 187 yards and a score on 26 carries.
Defensively, both Torrie Cox and Miles Scott hauled in interceptions, showing that they can force turnovers if given the opportunity. Matthew Bailey and Dennis Briggs led the team in tackles, with six and five, respectfully.
Ten different Illini recorded multiple tackles, with three of them recording a tackle for loss. The Illini don’t have anyone on the defensive side of the ball that should be completely avoided, but they have multiple guys that can make plays when called upon.
Kansas vs. Illinois – Keys to the Game
The main key for winning may be the same for both teams. Whoever can take away one dimension of the other team’s offense will likely come out on top.
Kansas relies heavily on its secondary to shut down passing attacks, which will be important against what appears to be a much improved Luke Altmyer. Illinois’ front seven stifled Eastern Illinois, allowing just 49 rushing yards. Kansas without a run game is much easier to defend, just like Illinois without a pass game.
