Kansas Football Game 2 vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
This was the season opener for Jalon Daniels against a very talented Illinois defensive front. Kansas football wore their brand new black uniforms for this game, which really got the crowd juiced up.
Kansas really came to play in the first half of this game, dominating the Illini on both sides of the ball. This was really where we saw what Austin Booker can do at the Power 5 level. He had two sacks and was really disruptive all game.
Jalon Daniels showed no signs of rust and played very well, minus the one mistake in the end zone late in the 3rd quarter. Devin Neal was super efficient, and Andy Kotelnicki was what the youngsters would say “in his bag.”
I predicted Kansas to win this game 24-20. I did not think Kansas football would be able to run all over Illinois like they did. Jer’Zhan Newton is a S-T-U-D and a surefire first round pick in next year’s NFL Draft, so to be able to consistently move the ball on that defensive line was nothing short of spectacular.
Kansas football ended up winning 34-23, and the game was not as close as the final score indicated either.
My Prediction: 24-20, Kansas wins
Actual Score: 34-23, Kansas wins