3 crucial changes Illinois football needs to make to beat Kansas

2. Slowing down the Kansas running attack

With an All-American anchoring the defensive line last season, the Illinois football program got torched by Kansas when it came to the rushing attack.

Kansas was unstoppable in 2023. Illinois allowed the Jayhawks to rush for 262 yards and two touchdowns. Leading rusher Devin Neal went for 120 yards on 10 carries, which included a touchdown.

Illinois can’t allow Kansas to run the ball like that again or this game will be over quickly. Through game one, I am pleased with the Illini rush defense. We only gave up 22 carries for 49 yards against Eastern Illinois. But I also realize that is an FCS program.

Kansas picked up right where they left off last season too. They didn’t lose anyone in the ground game, as Neal went for 112 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries against Lindenwood. For the game, Kansas had 44 carries for 331 yards and four touchdowns.

How can Illinois limit Kansas’ running attack? I think it is going to come down to the edges. I am looking at players like Seth Coleman and Gabe Jacas to step up in a big way.

Jacas played with his hand in the dirt a lot against Eastern Illinois, so I fully expect him to play that role multiple times against Kansas. Having him on the line of scrimmage could help prevent big run plays, as Jacas is extremely strong and athletic.

I believe Illinois’ secondary is better this season, and that means we can have more players in the box defending the run. This will deter Kansas from running the ball as well as they have been the past couple of seasons.

From top to bottom, Kansas has one of the best running teams in the country. I think Illinois has the horses to at least slow it down on Saturday.