Kansas at Illinois Predictions: Jayhawks can push its advantages.

The Kansas Jayhawks take their electric offense on the road, hoping that the defense will travel as well to Illinois as it did to Children’s Mercy Park last week. The Jayhawks have designs on a conference title this season, and today’s game will be an early indication of how serious a contender they can be.

So will the Jayhawks be able to pass this first road test? Or will the Illini get revenge after an embarrassing result in Lawrence last season? Check out what our crew thinks below:

Kyle Davis

Check out our Illinois Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.

Related: Kansas at Illinois 2024 Football Preview

Derek Noll

This is the early season statement game for Kansas and I think they’ll be ready to roll. The offense didn’t give anything away strategy or trick play wise against Lindenwood so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some trickery from Jalon Daniels and the offense, especially considering the strength of the Illini defense. As for KU’s defense, this is the game to make your mark. They key will be forcing the Illini to pass directly into the one of the best secondaries in the nation. Do that, and KU comes away with a win.

Kansas 42, Illinois 21.

Brendan Dzwierzynski

I’m perplexed as to why the spread keeps moving in this game and why Illinois keeps getting more credit. They’re big and physical, but frankly I think Kansas has superior players and coaching by a considerable margin. Surefire tackling and steady linebacker play will be crucial defensively, but on the offensive side of the ball I think KU can win just “running its stuff,” so to speak, without anything especially tricky thrown in. I like the Jayhawks to pop bottles in the Champaign Room tonight.

Kansas 31, Illinois 20.

Andy Mitts

This game is going to be completely different from last year. Last season, Kansas raced out to a huge lead and then called off the attack in the second half. This season, Illinois is better equipped to do something positive on offense. What won’t be different is that the Kansas offense will be able to move the ball efficiently and quickly. Illinois will get a few stops, but expect Kansas to slowly build a lead throughout the game and the defense to make enough plays to disrupt the Illini rhythm. Kansas wins by a similar margin, but pulls away late instead of holding on to a big lead.

Kansas 34, Illinois 21.

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