Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0)
As the NCAAF season heads into its second week, the Kansas Jayhawks and Illinois Fighting Illini, holding 1-0 records, will clash in a promising encounter on Saturday. Set in the buzzing atmosphere of Memorial Stadium, this game draws the attention of avid fans and bettors scouting for NCAAF free betting picks. With the game kicking off at 7:00 PM ET and broadcast on FS1, fans and punters alike are eager to see if Kansas can maintain their edge as favorites or if Illinois can leverage their home advantage to pull off an upset.
The Jayhawks come into this contest with important players, such as Running Back Devin Neal and Wide Receiver Luke Grimm, who have improved their performance over the last matches. Neal will fight for the team since, in their debut, the running back accrued 112 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns in just a total of 8 rushes. He averages about 14 yards per rush in a game, which indicates fierce running but, more importantly, excellent decision-making. In the same way, the wide receiver has stepped up and caught the ball with six receptions for 111 yards and one of the depth charts in the season. He also possesses playmaking ability with shorter receptions, as evidenced by his 18.5 yards per reception.
Illinois, conversely, appears eager to make amends for recent poor results, mainly in front of their fans. They have the exceptional performance of Quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has completed 79.2 % of passes for 213 yards with 4 touchdowns in his credit. It has also been crucial for the Ohio Illini, who use the running game to lead the offensive charge with high efficiency and accuracy, which Altmyer has managed. Also, 6.8 yards per carry was adjusted to a running attack, with running back Kaden Feagin recording 108 yards with a touchdown. This pair of individuals can break down defenses which is a valuable asset in dealing with the Jayhawks’ various defensive setups.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Jalon Daniels QB vs. Luke Altmyer QB
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has had a rather ordinary season, completing 9 passes in 15 attempts for 148 yards. Nevertheless, his average long throw can be rated at 58 yards, which can also be dangerous. It is his downfall, particularly his game under duress with a single pick and a passer rating of 151.5. To enable Kansas to dominate, he must first use his strong arm and speed to evade Illinois’ defense.
For Illinois, Luke Altmyer’s performance has been nothing short of anything adequate. He has achieved a passer rating of 208.7. Not only is he efficient in his throws, but he also knows how to throw the ball to the end zone, which is vital in turning possession into points for the team. Ensuring that Altmyer manages the game will be essential, especially for Kansas, which is weak on defense.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Kansas Jayhawks -245, Total Odds: 55.5
The betting lines have Kansas as the favorite with a -6.5 spread and a moneyline of -245, reflecting confidence in their ability to cover the spread against an Illinois team that struggles with consistency. The total over/under set at 55.5 suggests expectations of a high-scoring affair, possibly driven by the offensive capabilities on both sides.
Kansas Jayhawks Betting Trends
Kansas has a strong betting history as they went 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 games and 4-1 against the spread in their recent encounters with Big Ten teams. Their ability to defy expectations even in away games has raised the bar for what to expect when they face Illinois.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
In contrast, Illinois has not been as lucrative for bettors, recording a 1-9 record against the spread in their last 10 home games and an even worse 0-5 mark in September. Such trends are likely to be troubling to the Illinois faithful for instance, striking concerns over the spreading ability of the team even when playing at their home ground.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 9/7/24 Betting Picks
Considering the teams’ current form and historical performances, Kansas seems positioned to extend their winning streak. The Jayhawks’ offensive depth, led by Daniels and Neal, and their positive ATS trends make them a strong candidate to cover the spread. For bettors looking at the total points, the offensive prowess on both sides could push the total over 55.5, aligning with the trend of high-scoring games for both teams.
In conclusion, while the Illinois Fighting Illini show promise, particularly with Altmyer at the helm, the safer bet lies with the Kansas Jayhawks for the spread and the total over points. Prop bets on individual player performances, particularly on Neal and Altmyer, may also offer value, reflecting their impact potential in this matchup. Top online casino platforms will provide real-time odds for those seeking the thrill of live betting, enhancing the game-day experience.
