Kansas football: 10 observations from the Jayhawks victory over Illinois

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Sep 8, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) drops back to pass against Kansas Jayhawks defensive lineman Austin Booker (9) during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The D-line looks like the strong point of the defense

Fans came into the season thinking the defensive line would be at the forefront of the defense’s problems. That hasn’t been the case at all. In fact, it is the only position group that has performed above expectations thus far.

Losing Lonnie Phelps and Caleb Sampson to the NFL was tough, but Coach Leipold brought in a handful of transfers to solve that issue. Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Austin Booker sacked the quarterback twice, albeit before an eventual targeting play that would sideline him until the second half of the Nevada contest. Along with Jereme Robinson and Hayden Hatcher, the defensive line has outperformed the secondary and linebacker corps.

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