The Illini and Jayhawks are two emerging programs that are meeting with a focus on proving which is making the stronger progression. Kansas comes in having mutilated Missouri State, and Illinois arrives in Lawrence after a scare against Toledo. A near capacity crowd entered the gates of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium as hope for Jayhawk football was surging.
Kansas unveiled their new Blackhawk uniforms to hype this big game against Illinois, their first meeting since 1968. The first 5,000 students received a black Jayhawk t-shirt to shadow their sections in intimidation. Illini orange came in strong numbers making folks wonder why it took so long to get these two teams back together.
Illinois might have second thoughts. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels showcased his athleticism in leading the team to a 28-7 halftime advantage. The stunned Illini regrouped to fight back in the second half, but their efforts weren’t enough as the Jayhawks took the victory, 34-23.
The celebration spilled out onto the streets surrounding “The Booth” and onto Massachusetts Street bars. The Illini have to flush this one quickly as powerhouse Penn State visits them next week. Kansas has positioned themselves very well as a new Big 12 season approaches. Hope continues to surge.
