5 predictions for the Kansas football vs. Illinois football clash

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Sep 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema reacts after a play against the Toledo Rockets during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Illinois will surrender the most points they have in a game since 2021

Illinois surrendered 31 points to Indiana in 2022 and didn’t allow more than 23 in any other contest. So with how good their defense was a year ago, this prediction isn’t as bold as one might assume.

Toledo put 28 points on the Illini defense. They are a talented group and are expected to win the MAC, but that is uncharacteristic for a team that previously had the top defense at the FBS level. Bret Bielema and Co. are due for some defensive regression.

With how quickly Kansas puts points up on the board, it might not take long for the Jayhawks to surpass the 31-point mark. Even if they do not come out victorious, fans should expect a high-scoring affair.

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