Can Illinois Football pull off the Upset vs No. 22 Kansas?

Illinois Football is less than 24 hours from game day, and anticipation continues to build around the primetime matchup with the Kansas Jayhawks. What a boost of momentum it would be for the Illini if they pulled off an upset over Lance Leipold‘s 19th-ranked Jayhawks. The Illini have a chance to plant their flag on the turf in front of a sell-out Memorial Stadium crowd.

Certainly, a win would be a step in the right direction for the program. Similar vibes to Illinois’ blowout win (34-10) of Wisconsin in 2022, in Bret Bielema‘s return to Madison. Of course, the Illini’s big win over the Badgers catapulted them to a big 8-4 regular season and a bowl game appearance. Could a huge upset at home be a turning point for this program?

I anticipate an exciting game is in store for the 60,000+ in Champaign on Saturday night. The question is, what will unfold for the Illini and Jayhawks during those 60 minutes?

Sep 8, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton (4) during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Bailey – Big Turnover

It is no secret that the  Illinois defense was picked apart by Jalon Daniels in last season’s 34-23 loss. The Jayhawks’ talented passer completed 21 of 29 passes for 277 total yards and 2 touchdowns. A young, inexperienced Illini secondary was missing its most talented piece in Matthew Bailey. Unfortunately, Matt was sidelined all season with a nagging injury.

Fast forward, and Bailey is “Full go rodeo” and ready to put on a show in Champaign. Of course, along with the rest of his revamped secondary unit, who seems to have progressed. The defensive backs played well against Eastern Illinois and forced a couple of big turnovers. Bailey made his presence felt often and was great in the run game. Illinois needed a leader, and he stepped up.

The Illini secondary must be aggressive, and force Jalon Daniels to be more decisive than a season ago. In fact, Illinois football blitzed 47.06% of their snaps last week. Bailey has successfully taken the Sydney Brown role. He will undoubtedly hold a high impact for Illinois and will force the Jayhawks into one turnover.

Every Big Ten Teams' Blitz Rate in Week 1 pic.twitter.com/HxNqGAzkyH

— The Big Ten Huddle 🎙️ (@TheBigTenHuddle) September 5, 2024

Jan 2, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (2) celebrates after intercepting the ball in the end zone against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second quarter during the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Zakhari Franklin Picks Up First Score for Illinois Football

SEC transfer Zakhari Franklin was as advertised vs Eastern Illinois. The veteran receiver is just a smooth route runner. Despite sharing quite a load of receptions with Pat Bryant, Zakhari still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Franklin is able to line up just about anywhere in in receiving core. If the Illini can strike early, I would think the Illinois Football staff is going to draw up some creative way to get this guy into the endzone.

As the saying goes, big-time players, make big-time plays, in big-time games.

Illini Win, Thanks To An Improved Defensive Effort

I’m confident that Illinois Football offensively has enough tools, and the right staff to take down Kansas at home. The question is, how will the defense fair in week 2, after a solid performance vs FCS Eastern Illinois?

The previous KU Offensive Coordinator, Andy Kotelnicki, has since moved on to Penn State. Typically, with transition, comes bumps in the road. The Jayhawks’ offense had some hiccups in week one vs Lindenwood. However, transitioning to a Big Ten opponent on the road, at night, in front of a sold-out stadium, will be a tough task.

If Illinois can force some turnovers, and win in 3rd down battles, they have a real shot of winning this game. Let momentum slip, and the Jayhawks can take this game out of hand quickly. The Illini are due for a program-changing win. With a sell-out crowd, they get it done.

Prediction: Illinois 27 – Kansas 24

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