Illinois football vs. Kansas Jayhawks betting line initial thoughts

It is week two, and after a struggle against Toledo, the Illinois football team looks to rebound strong against the Kansas Jayhawks.

This is one of the two Friday night games for the Illini this season. Kansas ended up beating Missouri State in week one, 48-17. This wasn’t that easy of a victory, though. The Jayhawks were only up by seven points at halftime.

Las Vegas sees the Illini as an underdog entering this game, but will Illinois prove the doubters wrong?

Here are my Illinois football vs. Kansas Jayhawks betting line initial thoughts

1st half Lines

• Spead – Illinois +2.5 vs. Kansas

Illinois quarterback Luka Altmyer started to find his groove against Toledo. This should continue to be the case moving forward. Kansas struggled against Missouri State in the first half, only leading 17-10. I love Illinois +2.5 first-half spread against the Jayhawks.

• Total – O/U 27.5 points

I think there is a chance Illinois can put up a solid number in the first half against Kansas. I am not sure what the Jayhawks will do, though. I like Illinois to hit 21 first-half points. Can Kansas get to seven points? I think so. Take the over 27.5 points in the first half.

• Moneyline – Illinois +136, Kansas -162

Illinois is a decent underdog against Kansas. This is good for your wallet. I think the Illini will come out strong against the Jayhawks and never look back. I am going to throw some money on Illinois +136 in the first half

Game Lines

• Spread – Illinois +3.5 vs. Kansas

This is going to be a close game. At first look, Illinois getting 3.5 points is a good bet. We clearly figured some things out in the second half against Toledo, so I think that carries over to Friday. I would take Illinois +3.5 points in the initial look.

• Total – O/U 54.5 points

Kansas had one of the worst defenses in the country in 2022. They gave up 17 points to an FCS team this past week. Illinois’ defense clearly lost a step, understandably, after losing so much talent to the NFL. I love this over 54.5 points as of right now.

• Moneyline – Illinois +140, Kansas -166

This is a great value bet. Las Vegas saw a blowout for Kansas on Saturday, but an FCS team should make any DI program look good. Meanwhile, Illinois struggled against Toledo. What many don’t know is that the Rockets are a good team. They will win eight or more games this season. I would lay some serious dough on Illinois +140 this Friday.