A Big 12 vs. Big Ten battle features the Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) hosting the Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) on Friday night. Both of these teams were victorious in Week 1 and hope to bring that energy to this matchup. On Sep. 2, the Fighting Illini defeated Toledo 30-28. Kansas knocked off Missouri State 48-17 last week. Neither team, however, covered the spread in Week 1. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is reportedly expected to return for this matchup after missing the opener.
Kickoff in Lawrence, Kan., is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Jayhawks are 3.5-point favorites in Illinois vs. Kansas odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 57. Before making any Kansas vs. Illinois picks, be sure to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. The proprietary computer model is off to a fast 4-2 start on all-top rated college football picks this season. Since its inception, it has generated a stunning profit of more than $2,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Illinois vs. Kansas and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's CFB picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for Kansas vs. Illinois:
- Illinois vs. Kansas spread: Jayhawks -3.5
- Illinois vs. Kansas over/under: 57 points
- Illinois vs. Kansas money line: Jayhawks -171, Fighting Illini +144
- KU: Kansas is 5-0 in its last five games played in September
- ILL: Illinois are 8-1 ATS in its last nine games on the road
- Illinois vs. Kansas picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Kansas can cover
The Jayhawks are fresh off a stifling defensive performance. In the opening win over Missouri State, they held the Bears to 217 total yards and forced two turnovers. Senior defensive end Hayden Hatcher has impressive play recognition skills. He was all around the ball throughout that matchup. The Iowa native recorded a team-high seven total tackles.
Senior linebacker Rich Miller has a nose for the ball due to his instincts and play speed. In 2022, Miller was second on the team in total tackles (94) last season and he picked up right where he left off in Week 1. The Michigan native also secured seven total stops, including six solo tackles. Senior cornerback Kwinton Lassiter consistently makes plays on the ball. On Sept. 1, Lassiter had two tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. See which team to pick here.
Why Illinois can cover
Illinois has a very deep and talented defensive front. Junior defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton brings great quickness, burst and understands leverage. Newton has a top-tier motor and is relentless in both the run and pass. In 2022, the Florida native had 62 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. In the opener versus Toldeo, he finished with three total tackles.
Junior defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr. has powerful hands with solid play recognition skills. He totaled six stops in his last outing. Senior linebacker Tarique Barnes is an explosive athlete who thrives behind that talented defensive line. Barnes gets downhill in a flash and wraps up well. On Sept. 2, he had seven total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. See which team to pick here.
How to make Illinois vs. Kansas picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 49 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Illinois vs. Kansas, and which side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has notched a profit of almost $2,500 on its top-rated college football spread picks, and find out.
