Kansas’s Lance Leipold Has High Respect For Illinois Football

Kansas HC Lance Leipold on the 2024 Illini

Following a 40-0 win over the Eastern Illinois Panthers, Illini Football has now directed their attention to the Kansas Jayhawks.

Lance Leipold‘s crew visits Illinois on Saturday (9/7), for what is sure to be a pivotal game in Champaign for the Illini. Kickoff time is set for 6 pm CT on Fox Sports 1. (More Info).

This is round two between the Fighting Illini and Leipold, as Illinois lost 34-23 in Lawrence a season ago. However, this time around, Kansas will have to face a seemingly more improved and healthier Illini Football team. Furthermore, Leipold upholds a high level of respect for Bret Bielema and the challenge his Jayhawks face in week 2.

Statement From Leipold

“A physical Big Ten team,” says Leipold referring to the Illini. “They’ve improved over the last year, you can see. When you got a returning quarterback, who’s now in his second year starting, you can see somebody that’s definitely commanding what they want to do.”

Furthermore, Lance states “Much like I would expect of Bret’s team, they are going to be physical up front, use the tight ends in the run game to be physical. Big back now… (referring to Kaden Feagin). They are not going to beat themselves.” 

KU’s Lance Leipold on Illinois: “Physical Big 10 team, they’ve improved over last year.”

Points out improvements to the O-line, a team that won’t beat itself. pic.twitter.com/UJTjStiDme

— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) September 2, 2024

A Tougher Task

Both Illinois and Kansas started off their 2024 schedules handling business, earning big wins over FCS opponents. Furthermore on to week 2, where both programs are really going to be able to gage where they measure up.

Illinois will have the backing of a sold-out (if not, very near) Memorial Stadium. The Athletic Department expects the largest crowd since September 10th, 2016, when Illinois lost to North Carolina. Certainly, a tough environment to try and go on the road, and snag an early non-conference win. If the Illini can pull off the upset, the will be setting themselves up to potentially have another breakout season as they did in 2022. Additionally, firing up fans to keep driving up ticket sales for these big games.

Coach Leipold is very aware of the situation he is stepping into in Champaign, and how hungry the Illini program is for success. The Jayhawks coach has a level of respect for Illinois, and will have his team prepared as such.

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