Kansas football vs. Illinois: Prediction, game odds & TV info for season opener

The Kansas Jayhawks travel to Champaign, Illinois, to play Illinois on Saturday. It’ll be KU’s first road game of the season.

KU started the season with a dominant 48-3 victory over Lindenwood last Thursday at Children’s Mercy Park. Meanwhile, Illinois defeated Eastern Illinois 45-0 last Thursday. This game will finish up the home-and-home series for both sides.

Here’s what to know about the matchup...

KU football vs. Illinois game details

Kickoff: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7

Where: University of Illinois Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

TV: FS1

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City

Early betting line: Kansas is a 5.5-point favorite.

Kansas game prediction

This matchup should be tougher than KU’s 34-23 win over Illinois last season.

Illinois has certainly improved, but the biggest difference is that the Illini have upgraded their offensive and defensive lines.

Getting off to a fast start — like last year — should be important to the Jayhawks. The Illini have their first sellout in eight years and should have a loud environment. Kansas will also hope to force Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer into mistakes like last season’s meeting.

The position group I’m most interested in is KU’s defensive line vs. Illinois’ offensive line. If KU’s defensive line can get to Altmyer and limit his scrambling ability, the Jayhawks should win this game.

Prediction: Kansas 35, Illinois 28

Shreyas’ pick to cover: Kansas (-5.5)

Shreyas’ record: 1-0

Shreyas’ record against the spread: 1-0