3 huge X-factors for the Illinois football team against Kansas

Illinois football has a huge game coming up on Saturday against the No. 19-ranked Kansas Jayhawks.

Last season was ugly for the Illini, as we got into a 21-point hole that would later turn into a 27-point hole late into the third quarter.

I honestly believe that was a different Illinois football program. We were missing some key players, and the team was pretty new and hadn’t developed a ton of chemistry.

This time around could be different. I have a few players who I believe will be X-factors for the Illini in getting the big win over a ranked opponent.

Here are three huge X-factors for the Illinois football team against Kansas

1. Matthew Bailey

Besides for 2023, the Illinois football secondary has been pretty impressive during the Bret Bielema era.

2023 was a struggle, though. Particularly against Kansas, the Illini had a hard time stopping the pass. We allowed Jalon Daniels to throw for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while completing 72.4% of his passes.

By season’s end, the Illini finished about middle of the pack when it came to pass defense. Teams were averaging 228.1 yards per game through the air, which ranked No. 64 in the country.

This season, and specifically the Kansas game, could see a different result. One of the keys for Illinois in the secondary is Matthew Bailey. Bailey started 2023 injured, came back for the Penn State game, and then got injured again. He only played one game last season.

Bailey had a great first game against Eastern Illinois. He led the Illini with six tackles. This kid was all over the field making plays and causing chaos in the secondary. Bailey also carried a 74.8 grade on Pro Football Focus, which ranked No. 57 out of all safeties in college football.

I think Bailey could be an X-factor for Illinois against Kansas. We didn’t have him in the 2023 contest, so with Bailey on the field, Daniels should have a tougher time moving the ball. Look for Bailey to not only have a few pass breakups, but he can also fly downhill and make plays stopping the run. This kid is crucial for the Illini.