Illinois vs. Kansas Short Report | Sep 8, 2023
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
Lawrence, KS
Sep 8, 2023
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Game Recap
The Kansas Jayhawks secured a 34-23 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini in an exhilarating Week 2 matchup of the 2023 season. Showing their dominance early, Kansas built an early lead with two first-quarter touchdowns, with passes to Torry Locklin and Jared Casey. Despite a spirited comeback attempt from Illinois, the Jayhawks maintained control throughout the game.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels led Kansas' balanced attack, completing 21-of-29 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Illinois' Luke Altmyer showcased his athleticism, passing for 202 yards and running for 72 more with two rushing touchdowns, but Kansas' defense made key stops when needed. Devin Neal powered Kansas' ground game with 120 rushing yards and a touchdown, complemented by a reliable performance from kicker Seth Keller. Kansas' defense sealed the game with crucial plays like Mello Dotson's late fourth-quarter sack, securing the team's undefeated start to the season.
Key Plays:
Torry Locklin (Kansas Jayhawks)
Kansas made an early statement with Jalon Daniels finding Torry Locklin for a 4-yard touchdown catch, setting an aggressive tone for the Jayhawks.
Jared Casey (Kansas Jayhawks)
Jalen Daniels connected with Jared Casey for a 5-yard touchdown reception to double Kansas' lead, ramping up the pressure on Illinois early.
Devin Neal (Kansas Jayhawks)
Devin Neal's 5-yard rushing touchdown extended Kansas' lead, highlighting their formidable ground game and making it 21-0.
Tip Reiman (Illinois Fighting Illini)
In a critical moment, Luke Altmyer found Tip Reiman for a 4-yard touchdown reception, cutting the deficit and providing Illinois with much-needed momentum before halftime.
Daniel Hishaw Jr. (Kansas Jayhawks)
Daniel Hishaw Jr.'s 1-yard touchdown run just before halftime further solidified Kansas' lead, taking them to 28-7.
Seth Keller (Kansas Jayhawks)
Seth Keller drilled a 41-yard field goal early in the third quarter, maintaining Kansas' offensive momentum and extending the lead.
Luke Altmyer (Illinois Fighting Illini)
Luke Altmyer broke free for a spectacular 72-yard rushing touchdown, narrowing the gap and showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
Luke Altmyer (Illinois Fighting Illini)
Luke Altmyer added a 6-yard rushing touchdown followed by a successful 2-point conversion, pulling Illinois closer to a 34-23 score.
Mello Dotson (Kansas Jayhawks)
Mello Dotson's crucial defensive sack in the fourth quarter pushed Illinois back, stalling a promising drive and reinforcing Kansas' defensive stand.
Griffin Moore (Illinois Fighting Illini)
Luke Altmyer kept Illinois' hopes alive with a crucial 22-yard pass to Griffin Moore on a 4th-and-16 play late in the game. Despite the drive, Kansas' defense held firm in subsequent plays.
Standout Players:
Jalon Daniels (Kansas Jayhawks, QB)
Jalon Daniels orchestrated a balanced and effective offensive assault by completing 21 of 29 passes for 277 yards, 2 touchdowns, and maintained composure under pressure, driving Kansas to victory.
Devin Neal (Kansas Jayhawks, RB)
Devin Neal powered through Illinois' defense with 120 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, in addition to 47 receiving yards on 4 catches, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities.
Luke Altmyer (Illinois Fighting Illini, QB)
Luke Altmyer demonstrated tremendous versatility by throwing for 202 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 72 yards and two additional touchdowns, keeping Illinois competitive.
Jer'Zhan Newton (Illinois Fighting Illini, DT)
Jer'Zhan Newton was a disruptive force on the defensive line with 6 solo tackles and 2 sacks, constantly applying pressure to Kansas' offense.
Seth Keller (Kansas Jayhawks, K)
Seth Keller remained reliable with a perfect kicking performance, making two crucial field goal attempts, including a 41-yarder, and successfully converting all four extra points.
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Illinois Fighting Illini
0
7
8
8
23
Kansas Jayhawks
14
14
6
0
34
