Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (1-0)
The Illinois Fighting Illini are gearing up for an electrifying showdown when they travel westward to clash with the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Scheduled for Friday, September 8th at 7:30 PM ET, the game will be aired live on ESP2. Both squads come into this duel with unblemished records, making the stakes higher for building momentum or facing an early-season falter. For those interested in NCAAF free tips, this is a match you won’t want to miss as it could provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.
Luke Altmyer is leading Illinois with authority, proving himself an indispensable member of their offense. Boasting an impressive completion rate of 69.2%, with 18 out of 26 attempts completed successfully and an 81% completion average for his 211 passing yards, Altmyer has demonstrated precision and control while producing an average yard-per-attempt of 8.1 which speaks volumes about his skill in moving, the ball efficiently downfield. Altmyer hasn’t limited himself to passing, either; he’s amassed 69 rushing yards on 9 attempts, adding another dimension of dual-threat play for Illinois’ offensive portfolio. Not only can his rushing skills disrupt the defensive schemes of opponents, but they come in handy during high-pressure situations when pocket passes aren’t an option. Wide Receiver Pat Bryant is the heart and soul of Altmyer’s aerial attack. Having secured 6 receptions for 64 yards, Bryant has demonstrated his clutch ability in red-zone situations, scoring two touchdowns. Together with quarterback Brandon Altmyer, this QB/WR duo forms an intricate layer in Illinois’ offense which will undoubtedly give defensive coordinators sleepless nights.
Quarterback Jason Bean has emerged as an integral piece of Kansas’ offensive setup. His astounding statistics are extraordinary, with an outstanding 78% completion rate on 28 attempts and amassing 276 passing yards. Furthermore, his remarkable 9.9 yards-per-attempt average shows their aggressive passing philosophy. Kansas’ offensive arsenal doesn’t rely solely on Bean, though. Running back Devin Neal has proven himself an essential piece. Amassing 94 yards on 13 carries, Neal averages 7.25 yards per carry. His ability to create big plays has the power to change the momentum of games quickly. Lawrence Arnold has emerged as an effective deep threat for Bean. Already, in his young career, he’s recorded four receptions of 77 yards with an average catch distance of 19.3 yards, adding yet another layer of complexity to Bean’s Kansas offense.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Kansas Jayhawks
| When: | Friday, September 8, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream | SofaScore |
Luke Altmyer QB vs. Jason Bean QB
Altmyer has been a standout performer for Illinois, with stats reflecting a 69.2% completion rate and 211 passing yards. His average of 8.1 yards per attempt, along with two interceptions and sacks, gives him a quarterback rating of 155.1. This versatility enhances Illinois’ offensive capabilities.
In contrast, Bean‘s performance for Kansas has been nothing short of spectacular, posting a 78.6% completion rate, 276 passing yards, and a quarterback rating of 184.9. His remarkable 9.9 yards per attempt highlight Kansas’ aggressive air attack.
NCAAF Odd/Point Spread: Illinois Fighting Illini +138, Total Odds: 56.5
Given Illinois’ strong straight-up (SU) record and their 8-1 against-the-spread (ATS) performance on the road, they offer excellent moneyline value. Their multi-faceted offense, coupled with both teams’ recent under trends in September and week 2 games, make an UNDER outcome more probable.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
Illinois has shown inconsistent form against the spread, holding a 2-4 record in their last six games. Despite this, their SU performance is robust with a 10-5 record in their past 15 outings. Notably, they have an 8-1 ATS record in their last nine road games. However, their 1-6 record against Big 12 teams is less promising. Still, their games in September and week 2 trends have frequently remained under, offering intriguing betting prospects.
Kansas Jayhawks Betting Trends
Kansas has struggled against the spread, with a 0-5 record in their last five encounters. Despite this, their 5-2 SU record in recent home games and their flawless 5-0 SU performance in September offers a ray of hope. However, their 2-8-1 ATS record in week 2 games remains a concern.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Kansas Jayhawks 9/8/23 Betting Picks
Expect a narrow victory for the Illinois Fighting Illini against the Kansas Jayhawks, ending at a score of 28-24, covering the spread. While Kansas has the home field advantage and a solid September history, Illinois’ overall and road records tip the scales in their favor, both in terms of the moneyline and the spread. For those who are interested in placing a wager, numerous college football betting sites also suggest that the game’s total score will likely remain under 56.5 points.
Free Pick and Prediction: Illinois Fighting Illini to win 28-24.
