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Illinois Football: Game-by-game prediction of the 2023 Illini season

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the second quarter in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the second quarter in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Jan 2, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema takes the field fro the the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 2 – Illinois at Kansas

The second game of the season is on the road against a rising Kansas Jayhawks program. This game will take place at 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday, September 8.

It had been a long time since Kansas has been competitive, but they managed to finish 6-6 in 2022 and made a bowl game. This was a strong season, and it had a lot to do with a decent offense, most of which is returning.

Kansas returns its top two quarterbacks who took turns flinging the ball last season. Jalon Daniels seemed to gain control of the starting job, finishing with 2,014 yards, 18 touchdowns, and four interceptions. The Jayhawks also return starting running back Devin Neal, who had 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022. Daniels will also have familiar targets, as the top 12 players in receiving yards all return to the Kansas offense in 2023.

The Jayhawks didn’t have a good defense last season, though. This is what killed them. The top three players who led in tackles, two out of the four leaders in sacks, and six out of the seven players who had an interception last season will return for Kansas on defense.

This might not matter much, though. Kansas ranked No. 127 points per game allowed, No. 125 in rushing yards allowed per game, and No. 117 in passing yards allowed per game. This is a bad defense that is returning bad players.

  • Prediction – Illinois beats Kansas, 55-38

I think this game could end up being a shootout. It will be the first true test for a new-look Illinois secondary. Taz Nicholson and Co. will have their hands full.

Illinois’ offense should be able to push ahead, though. We have enough weapons where we could easily put up a 50-spot against Kansas. I think the Illini come away with a narrow win, but a win nonetheless.

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