The Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) host the Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. This is the sixth matchup in history between these schools, though it is the the first since 1968. Illinois beat Toledo 30-28 in Week 1, but failed to cover as 7.5-point favorites. Kansas also won its opener against Missouri State, but missed covering -32 by a single point in that game. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (back) is expected to return after missing last week’s game.
Kickoff in Lawrence, Kansas, is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Jayhawks are 3-point favorites in Illinois vs. Kansas odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 57.5. Before making any Kansas vs. Illinois picks, be sure to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. The proprietary computer model is off to a fast 4-2 start on all-top rated college football picks this season. Since its inception, it has generated a stunning profit of more than $2,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Illinois vs. Kansas and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model’s CFB picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for Kansas vs. Illinois:
- Illinois vs. Kansas spread: Jayhawks -3
- Illinois vs. Kansas over/under: 57.5 points
- Illinois vs. Kansas money line: Jayhawks -158, Fighting Illini +134
- KU: Kansas is 5-0 in its last five games played in September
- ILL: Illinois are 8-1 ATS in its last nine games on the road
- Illinois vs. Kansas picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Kansas can cover
The Kansas offense is filled with explosive playmakers. In its dominant Week 1 performance, Kansas had two players log at least 70 receiving yards. Junior receivers Lawrence Arnold (6’3) and Quentin Skinner (6’5) both have the speed to stretch the field. On Sept. 1 versus Missouri State, Arnold and Skimmer each secured four catches for 77 yards.
Meanwhile, there were four players with at least 40 rushing yards in the contest. Junior running back Devin Neal is the top option in the backfield. Neal has good contact balance and consistently picks up extra yards. He supplied 13 carries for 94 yards and one score. Junior running back Sevion Morrison provides Kansas with a power back. Morrison has a superb impact near the goal line due to his quick feet and cut-back ability. In his last outing, he logged 41 rush yards including a five-yard TD run. See which team to pick here.
Why Illinois can cover
Sophomore quarterback Luke Altmyer took over the reins under center for Illinois this season. Altmyer is a good athlete with the ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. The Mississippi native and Ole Miss transfer completed 69% of his throws for 211 yards and two passing touchdowns in the season-opening win over Toledo. He also led the team in rushing with 69 yards.
Junior receiver Pat Bryant looks to keep the momentum going into this matchup. Bryant has the height (6-foot-3) to win contested catches and be a viable target in the red zone. On Sept. 2, the Florida native led the team in catches (6), receiving yards (64) and touchdowns (2). Junior receiver Isaiah Williams is a dynamic weapon in the slot. Williams runs crisp routes and can make defenders miss. In Week 1, he had five receptions for 51 yards. See which team to pick here.
How to make Illinois vs. Kansas picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 49 points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Illinois vs. Kansas, and which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has notched a profit of almost $2,500 on its top-rated college football spread picks, and find out.
