ESPN's FPI predicts outcome of Illinois' Week 2 trip to Kansas
ESPN’s FPI is breaking down all the Week 2 action, and that includes Illinois’ trip vs. Kansas on Friday night.
In Week 1, Illinois started the season off with a successful win, but that matchup was not without some drama. Luke Altmyer capped his Illini debut with a second-half comeback and a game-winning drive in the 4th quarter.
Now, Bret Bielema’s program heads on the road for a key nonconference matchup against Kansas. The Jayhawks are geared up for that game with some brand-new uniforms and the hope that star QB Jalen Daniels will be ready to play Friday night.
According to the Football Power Index, Illinois heads to Lawrence as a road favorite. The FPI projects Illinois with a 58.5% chance of winning and moving to 2-0 on the season. However, DraftKings has the Jayhawks as -3 favorites for the game.
A big point of emphasis for Bielema’s team will be the defense, particularly if Kansas’ Daniels starts under center. In Week 1, Toledo’s Dequan Finn gave the Illini some fits as a dual-threat QB with 3 total touchdowns and over 300 yards of offense.
Last season, Daniels finished with over 2,400 yards of offense and 25 total touchdowns with the Jayhawks and poses a similar problem for DC Aaron Henry. We’ll see how that matchup unfolds on Friday.