A Potential Upset For the 2024 Illini Football Season

Looking ahead at the schedule, I consider there to be a true potential upset candidate on the Illinois Football schedule for 2024. I think the Fighting Illini will have a shot at the Kansas Jayhawks for a couple of reasons. Lance Leipold’s squad jumped out of the gates hot in 2023 and made the Illini pay in the first half. Offensively, Kansas torched Illinois’ defense, jumping out 28-7 in Lawrence at the break. Though Aaron Henry’s squad showed resilience and held the Jayhawks to only 6 points in the 2nd half, it was not enough to recover.

Fast forward to 2024, and Leipold’s squad now has 30 seniors on a team that won 9 games a season ago. Many of which, were high-impact starters and rotational pieces, on both sides of the ball. So, why do Bret Bielemas Fighting Illini stand a chance in 2024?

Why Kansas?

First off, I’m not telling you that Illinois Football will win this game. In fact, the odds are not well in Illinois’ favor, with some outlets predicting Kansas to win the BIG 12 in 2024. However, matchups and history are always relevant.

Health

One of the biggest setbacks for Kansas in 2023, was the health status of quarterback Jalon Daniels. The future pro suffered a back/bodily injury during fall camp, which then continuously nagged Jalon throughout the season. Eventually sidelining him for the majority of 2024, starting with their matchup with Texas. In fact, it was the second year in a row that Daniels has suffered a season-ending injury. After missing the first game of the 2023 season to rest, Illinois seemingly was the most healthy game played. So, of course, health is a concern.

Schedule 

Furthermore, timing may pose an issue for Kansas vs Illinois as well. If Daniels has spent the majority of the offseason rehabbing, that will put him behind, and the offense will need time to mesh comfortably. Will they do so, on a very good team, if Jalon stays healthy? Of course, they will. However, this time, Kansas has to travel to Champaign on week 2. After a week 1 matchup vs Lindenwood, and a recent transition to Division 1, the Jayhawks’ next game vs Illinois will certainly be a step up.

Defense

Kansas is a pretty stereotypical Big 12 team in all reality. The Jayhawks offense will jump all over you if healthy, and clicking. However, the defense can be a different story altogether. Leipold’s defense gave up an average of 26.5 points per game in 2023 and was certainly not the team’s strong suit. However, they had no problem outscoring most of their opponents. Especially when Jalon Daniels was healthy. Additionally, Kansas is in a similar spot to Illinois, after having lost their two best defensive players, both linemen to the NFL.

So, you’re saying there’s a chance?

I’m not calling the odds of Illinois beating the Jayhawks at home very high. However, every season uniquely poses a potential upset alert for each squad. Compared to the new Big Ten additions of Oregon, Penn State, or the former national champions of Michigan, I like the odds of the Illini beating Kansas more.

Sep 8, 2023; Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

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