Illinois Football: Biggest Threat From The Kansas Jayhawks

Who Could Stand Out Against Illinois Football vs Kansas?

A sold-out memorial stadium will be present in Champaign, hoping the Fighting Illini can have an arrival moment against Kansas. Lance Leipold‘s 19th-ranked Jayhawks will have a plethora of talent on hand, but who will be the biggest threat to Illinois Football?

Not QB1

Of course, most will tell you that quarterback Jalon Daniels is the Jayhawks’ best weapon. Certainly, he is the most talented weapon on Leipolds’ roster. However,  I believe the Illini will be well prepared for the talented gunslinger.

Jalon went 21 for 29, with 277 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Illini in Lawrence last season. The Kansas QB was impressive through the air, and on the ground, and made a statement on his home turf. A performance that frustrated the Illinois Football program, and stuck with them for the rest of the season. Of course, that feeling continued into the offseason as well. Circling back around to this week’s matchup, I believe Bret Bielema will have his squad much better prepared to contain Daniels.

With that being said, who do Illinois fans need to prepare for?

Jul 10, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back Devin Neal

Jayhawks running back Devin Neal is a no-doubt NFL talent.

The speedy ball carrier was able to total 120 yards and 1 touchdown on 10 carries against the Illini in 2023. It was a solid performance that created the much-needed balance for Jalon Daniels to ascend to stardom.

Furthermore, Neil racked up 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns over the course of 2023, leaving Kansas fans pumped for his senior season. Fast forward to 2023, and Devin is still a threat to get Lance Leipold’s offense moving in a hurry.

I am that the Fighting Illini are going to throw the kitchen sink at containing the Jayhawks’ talented quarterback. Will that leave room for Neil to step up, and have a big game in Champaign? Illinois Front 7 must perform well. Despite a great showing against Eastern Illinois, I am not 100% sold. This is a big test for Illinois defense, and if they can slow the run game down, while also managing Daniels, Illinois has a great shot to upset at home.

Will Neil create balance for Kansas, and give their talented quarterback a chance to shine against the Illini once more?

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