EA College Football Simulations Game 38 Kansas @Illinois (9/7/24 Prediction)

[Music] we are ready to pop the cork in Champagne Illinois home to the fighting Ali I and the fans clad in orange and blue are more than ready for this one we believe we've got a great one in store today and when you got a team that makes it into the top 25 now when you go on the road that's when you prove you belong as we'll see the number 21 team in the country the Kansas jay- Hawks take on a team from the Big 10 the Illinois fighting a line on for EA Sports college football libr Davis joined here in the booth by David P again Jesse Palmer and guys let's get this thing started Illinois about to kick it away to get things sted he'll start the return inside his SP he was looking for more Running Room but none to be found as he stopped at the 23 the j-hawks offense is on the field for the first time today and here's the man they rally around and he has earned that type of respect David you dang right you earn it by doing it and he's done it at such a high level everyone believes in this young man and Palmer there's a reason why you're right David he's been in the big moments and he's won the big games this guy delivers when the game is on the line you want to settle everybody in on the road you want to take the nerves away run the football really really good job the offensive line they're physical and nasty they're not nervous they're not worried about this crowd getting loud they just want to hit you right in the mouth and they started the game off with some good physicality to the ground he's got it again and he'll pick up one it brings up second and nine and you want to run the football that's okay you'll take some of these but if they start to add up down the road obviously you might want to think about airing it out a little bit didn't get much on first down it's second and nine they try to pop a run on the draw that run epitomizes a veteran Savvy senior who knows how to find space I think it's really important for this offense they get this guy going early in the game and they're doing a nice job of that right now remember he's the kind of running back who gets better as the game goes on on that's a really good omen for this offense considering his success now early they'll give it to the back just what they were looking for and he's got him set up in business at the 35 with a first down every offense wants to be able to run the ball and be physical especially on first down and you want to create second and short third short or just get first downs like that run right there and the j-hawks with the first and 10 10 from the gun they'll try the middle and he'll step out of bounds after a very productive play well it's plays like that that will help this offense stay in Rhythm all game long if you can have that kind of success on first down running the football it just opens up your entire Playbook moving forward the big pickup on first down leaves them with second and one the GI to the back he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple listen I know there are a lot of DBS out there that all they want to do is get interceptions and dance in the end zone this dude likes to put his face in the fan get close to the line of scrimmage and tackle and on the opening drive that he's out there he gets a huge tackle for loss early that is a statement play on Third and short the power run here the j-hawks getting up for the first first down this offense knew coming into this one guys how important it was to start early and on this opening drive for them they're doing a nice job running the football there on third down they're in a position on the field now if you're on defense you got to be ready for a shot throw into the end zone they have just bloodied their nose on this drive all on the ground it's first and 10 snags it over the middle this slot receiver is a guy the defense has to be careful of he runs good routes he's got some speed and if you're not not careful this guy can gash you and the j-hawks have moved it inside the 20 running back searching for a hole he is tackled but it'll be a fresh set of downs this is an offense that really sees their identity as being able to run the football nice job there picking up the first down down to the 12 yd line it's first down they're going to ride this running back they'll give him four yds on the carry it's down at the 8 yd line going to work in the Red Zone they can pick up the first down without getting it into the end zone they'll run behind the big guys on the right he's got it down to the one yd line right on the doorstep of per and listen the offensive line has to do their job but a really good job by the running back understanding where his hole is go hit it get the first first down don't mess around nice job following his hole getting positive yards The Jayhawks line it up with a first and goal they'll try to get it in with the run into the end zone he goes touchdown J Hawks fast start for the offense points on the board already and the coach has talked to us this week of how important it was to getting out to a fast start and that was the key to winning the game the offense definitely took that message to [Music] heart now they'll line up for what they hope is automatic and the extra point makes it seven nothing they put it in the end zone with a 12pl scoring drive and they capped it off with a one yd plunge almost ready to kick it away after scoring the touchdown here he comes from inside his own five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 the fighting ofi I take possession and their offense will go to work for the first first time and it won't be easy to throw the ball down the field today David because both of these teams have locked down Corners I mean these guys shut down half of the field playmaking cornerbacks that really can play manto man and lock down the best guys on the other side yeah if I'm a quarterback in this game I taking a calculated risk if I'm thrown towards one of these two dudes because you're just asking to get picked off [Music] Illinois lining up quickly the RPO fire complete to the left he will step out of bounds but not before the big pickup and a first down for this offense one of the things that makes this guy so dangerous is how good he is after the catch if he's got any space around him he's able to burst he's able to make people miss and get extra yards for his offense you saw it right there now from the 40 it's first and 10 they'll go to the ground and they'll bring him down after a short pick up and that's a really nice play it's impressive R it's first down and the defense thinks you might be running the football you still can line up you get some movement at the point of attack and find a little priest for your running back linebackers moving trying to confuse the quarterback after the three- yd pickup they come to the line Second and seven give to the running back really nice stop there from this senior leader this defense will try to force a fourth down on Third and short from the 45 five back to pass it's altm he's got the tight end and he's knocked down immediately but not before he moves the chain hard work pays off Guys these offenses work so hard week in week out working on those critical down and distances third downs and having that conversion this early in the game that's got to feel good for this offense Illinois putting together a really nice drive they go to the ground and they'll stop him after a minimal pickup and the defense doing a great job committing to the run when you commit to the run like this obviously you can give up some plays in the passing game but you got to stop the run [Music] first after picking up a couple it's second and eight they'll keep it on the ground and the defense makes the stop after a minimal game they line up with some serious work to do if they want to convert this one on Third and long he's going to have to throw for it he's got it makes a grab and knocked down and he's got it at the 25 yd line and listen the defense knew coming into this one they were going to Target him early and often he is a weapon and there's no mystery where the quarterback's going to be looking on critical down and distances let's see how they are able to cover him throughout the rest of this game Illinois right back to the line power football with the Run Stop is made but he picks up four yds down to the 21 yd line solid pickup of four on first down it's second and six fast motion from the offense dropping back it's altm here comes the rush and they've got him wrapped up at the 28 that Defender just was better in his one-on-one on the pass rush he does a great job beating the offensive lineman to get to the QB they'll snap it for the 10th time on this drive but they need a chunk on Third and long looking downfield and he needs a bunch setting up the screen he gets it oh so close to the first down marker but I think he's going to be a touch short smart play by the quarterback nothing open dump it off to your running back and listen he's a running back he's used to having the ball in his hands and he's a big running back so if you want to bring that to the ground open field it's very difficult great job by the running back making a play he'll try to throw and pick up the first down touchdown finding El ey that is the ultimate grab and go for the score if you're able to move the ball in a drive like that the most overrated stat in football would be field position agreed and I think confidence is Big right now after that last drive to be able to flip the field like that not just do it but go down and score a touchdown running and throwing for this offense now moving forward in this game that last Drive is going to pay big dividends lining up for the pat right down the middle they put it in the end zone with a 12pl scoring drive and they close the deal with a 16 yd throw for the touchdown all tied up just about set to kick it away and he takes this from inside the five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 Kanas gets the ball back and the jhawk offense is ready to go to work he'll get it up to about the 32 ydd line before he stopped and it'll be first down defense is going to have their hands full trying to get this guy in the ground man he's got some serious moves once he has the ball in his hands with a first down they'll snap it from the 32 buing to move it through the air gets it out fast oh there might have been trouble if they hadn't knocked him down down so quickly he saw man coverage and the idea just get it to my receiver as quickly as I can and let him work David see man and and see the cushion and see the guy backed up a little bit now I know I can get it to him right now and get a positive game touch pass on the Jet Sweep they got him at the 42 but he got five yds on the play I just love the play call you're getting a fast player out in the open field and it's enough to get you a first down and the j-hawks have it with a first and 10 from the gun running back on the Move he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple so he get stuffed on first down and now you have the offensive coordinator thinking a little bit yeah we're probably going to have to throw it now in this second play but what are we going to see defensively now that they know we're throwing might they Blitz us do I have to leave more guys in to block there's a real cat and mouse game going on right now between these two coaching steps they'll go right back to him and the defense finally makes the stop after the sweet run and good gain and a great job by the offensive line if you're going to run the ball right at the middle you better control the line of scrimmage you can see the center the guard the tackles doing a good job getting on their guys just enough where this running back can get into space and make the big game they'll snap it from the 47 on first down they'll leave it with him and you can forget running in the middle against this defense defense is about firing off hitting the offensive guys and staying in your gaps everybody knowing where they're supposed to be you could tell the defense everyone was right where they're supposed to be nowhere to run they got nothing on the last play it's second and 10 to the ground with the back and they pick up just one it'll be third and [Music] [Music] nine if they can convert here that type of play can really give you a shot of momentum third and long and he'll try to throw for it deep shot for the end zone and swatt it down by the defense to stop the scoring opportunity smart offensive coordinators they're going to throw deep especially those 5050 balls you hear about all the time my wide receiver is better than your DB not on this play The Jayhawks will send out the punt unit first punt of the day and he'd love to lock him up close to their goal line make sure that there's not going to be a return on this one balls out of bounds and I think they'll mark it right around the 25 used the play fake now to throw and that incomplete pass caused by the big hit on first down second down coming not seeing a lot of Chemistry Between the QB and his intended target on that play [Music] after the incompletion it's second down looking downfield it's alt me got his man on the right well the short passing game is a great go to for any offensive coordinator in the first quarter because it's reliable but it also allows you to see how the defense is going to react in play so this can certainly open things up later Illinois lining up quickly they'll snap it from the gun on third down the short hands it's Sanders tackled but he has a first down it's tough on the defense there third down you're in zone coverage everybody's watching the quarterback and you're trying to make a break on the ball but he just got it out of his hands too quickly and the throw was too accurate really nothing you can do there and it's now a fresh set of downs the offense lines up at the 40 they've got a first down from the gun give on the inside and maybe he'll get back to the line of scrimmage but no more than that movement from the linebackers trying to mess with the offensive Line's assignment he wants to pass it on second down got it in the Middle with Sanders and he didn't have a whole lot of operating room after the Juke not much room to run it's been punch counter punch throughout the early part of this game as we take a look at the first quarter steps we've got a good one going here and looking forward to keep those vibes rolling here in the second half this defense will try to force a fourth down on Third and short from the 45 wide open downfield they make the stop but not before they do their work up top and pick up a first down there's a reason third down is called the money down what a great find by the quarterback great job finding his receiver uh at the end of the game you look at third down percentages it tells a huge story and it goes a long way in deciding who wins a football game going with the ground game left just sledgehammering his way down to the 33 and as an offensive coordinator you don't need the perfect play with this guy as your running back he's going to make the play perfect for you because he makes everybody miss spin moves hurdles stiff arms speed whatever it takes to move the sticks and score touchdowns halfway there on first down it's second and five caught in the back field it's Sanders put it right on him sweet play good pickup and they'll move the change with the first down and a big key on that throw to the slot receiver guys is putting the ball out in front the location of the thr throw is what helped that guy get extra yards after the catch Illinois right back to the line looking to go up top on first down flips it out to the back delivers the contact gets out of bounds after the big game but they've got it first and goal you know it's funny I I know running backs often times are afterthoughts when it comes to the passing game but when you think about it this guy's been making people miss his entire life taking handoff so why wouldn't you try to get him involved in the passing game as well you just saw in that last play how dangerous he is after the catch a first down run on the doorstep he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple so no room to run there and you wonder after that loss on first down where they turn now yeah and that's why it's so important for the defense to win these first Downs right want to create negative plays to make this offense so much more predictable defense roll up deep in its own end on that last play now a second and long coming scanning the field it's alt Meer makes the catch they'll Mark him down at the two the excellent execution on that throw and catch when you get man coverage you definitely like taking advantage of the inside really quickly running a nice slant rack real quick being physical getting on the inside quarterback putting it right on the money and they've inched closer and closer and still two yards to go for the touchdown here on third down and he takes it to the house touchdown Illinois and I love the physicality of this offense it's third and goal it's money time I've got to be more physical than you and that's exactly what this offense just did put the ball on the ground and put it in the ins [Music] lining up to tack one more onto that lead and the pat gives him a 147 lead they put it in the end zone with a 12 play scoring drive and finish to deal with the short touchdown run from the two kickoff team lining up to send this one [Music] away looks like he's going to try to return it he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 the kenas offense returns to the field the give to the back nowhere to run on that one he loses four on the carry you see all this movement in football now all the stem in the defensive line they're sliding right before the snap creating confusion for the offensive line then they're moving back and stunting really good job by the defense continue to move continue to stunt continue to get in the back field and make this life hard on this running back moving the running back trying to get the D to tip its hand dropping back it's Daniels just gets rid of it to the running back underneath stopped after making the catch guys out the back field now it's not just run the ball downhill anymore you got to be veral I got to be able to trust you in the pass game and I got to be able to throw you the football and you can do that right there I know you're going to catch it and I can defend them now on Third and 10 if they can move the chains here maybe they can get this drive started from the gun wants to pass caught over the middle it's Skinner and sure tackling there to keep him from getting to the first down marker a nice job by the QB there timing out that drag throw it's Zone coverage so he's got to make sure he gets it to his receiver in a window to allow him to catch the ball and then turn it up field and The Jayhawks will line up to punt it away this will be the second time they've had to kick it away makes a move really good job by the coverage team to make the Stop and that's where they'll put it in play here comes the line ey offense back onto the field they Unleashed an aerial assault last time that took them right to the end zone David So ree with that ran through the tackle and he's got room to run he found plenty of room and he gets it to the 39 yd line you got to give the o line a lot of credit there because it gave the receiver time to work all the way across the field on the drag route against Zone coverage quarterback gets it to him he's able to turn it up and get a first down Illinois lining up quick quickly off the play fake on first down wants to throw and this will be in complete a big hit there forces second [Music] down couldn't make the connection last time let's see if they' throw it again from the gun the running back tries to hit the hole using that running game to budge and forward he's got four down to the 35 a third down try for the offense looking to throw it's altm good timing on the quick out he's run out of bounds but he's got enough to move the sticks right second quarter getting closer to the half offense is still having a lot of success stringing some first downs together defense is going to need to figure something out before they get to halftime Illinois moving it quickly down the field leaves it with the back gets it inside the 25 down to the 22 yd line with a pickup of [Music] four after the productive first down play it's second and six he's looking to throw pressure coming and they couldn't hold off the heat and he goes down with the sack man that's a great example of kyp know your personnel a QB that doesn't run great trying to get outside the pocket nice job by the defense applying pressure and running him down and getting the huge loss I'm not positive but that first down marker might be in the next County on Third and long doesn't need to take the check down makes a connection nice Patience by the quarterback here working against Zone coverage he was allowing his receiver an opportunity to find that open space in the defense before pulling the trigger and on fourth down here comes the field field goal unit not a particularly long kick from 36 yd out but he'll have to guide it in from the left PCH absolutely perfect and that will extend their lead even further [Music] after that last field goal Drive they're set to kick it away on the move from inside is five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 Kanas gets the ball back and the jhawk offense is ready to go to work leaves it with the running back the deficit here is just 10 points David So a chance to answer here plenty of time left in this football game no need to panic this offense just has to put a couple Drives together and listen the defense will get this back and get some stops F and get you the football back and I think I think here too David you have an opportunity to keep the pressure on the opponent yeah they just went down and scored but you score here and this game still tight you keep their feet to the fire so an opportunity here to keep applying that pressure picked up two yards on that last one they need eight on second down back to the ground with the running back just a solid stop by this sophomore this defense will try to force a fourth down on Third and short from the 45 looking for a man it's Daniels and they got him for the sack just a great job defensively making him go through his progressions and he really didn't have time to do it and that's exactly what you do in zone C you droping your spots you read the quarterback's eyes make sure you take away that quick stuff and a great job rushing the passer and getting the sack the j-hawks will punt it away on fourth down wants to bring it back they'll get down and put a stopped in this return they'll mark it at the 32 the Illinois offense returns to the field they've got the lead here last time they settled for a field goal but David got to find that balance between being aggressive and careful and I think they'll take that I got the lead Palmer I got the football I got to take care of the football put a nice drive together and just get some kind of points on this drive no doubt lots to be happy about right now if you're this team I think for this one though on this drive it's about finding the one-on-one matchups that are in your favor and then exploit him to the air on first down he's open on the right chopping up this defense and they've got it all the way down to the 23 and after that pitch and catch he's already over 200 yards and we're in the first half Jesse man Reese he's dialed in right now he's really doing a nice job seeing the Fe reading coverages and finding his open guy coming out on first down with the play fake using the quick game I love offenses and quarterbacks that are willing to take the easy stuff take those easy throws that are guaranteed to get positive yards yeah I'm going to take big shots down the field too but don't forget it's easier to pick up second five third and five and is when we start getting those long yarded situations Illinois right back to the line they'll go to the counter oh it's out defense just cradling that fumble and securing it and he's brought down and this defense gets the ball back for its own offensive players when they got the ball in their hand they're trying to make plays right trying to make you miss there's nothing better than closing that Gap and sticking that head right in that guy's chest and call in a fumble the Kansas offense returns to the field they're going to open this drive with a pass incompleted man as he lucky to get that one back defense that close to an interception great coverage great break on the ball had a chance to really make a big play and maybe even take that thing back to the house but you got to secure the catch we like to hit people more than we like to catch BS let's see what they've got on second down they'll run it strong run and useful picked up four out to the nine how bold will they be on third down after that last run to the air it's Daniels they cough it up near their own goal line oh it looks as if the defense got it he loose football in the end zone and the defense there to pounce on it for six and the defense comes with the blitz nice job getting to the quarterback and don't just get there try to strip that football out they get the Q in the ground the ball's out they scoop it up take it all the way back to the house for six they'll try to add another to their lead extra point and with the extra point they pushed the lead out a little further the scoop and score what a liftting can give to the defense not content to get the ball they wanted to do something with it and they did they're out there to kick it off the return team must rivit that ball to their rib cage can't afford another turnover he stopped short of the 20 at the 19 and probably wishes he had just taken the touch back Kanas gets the ball back and the jhawk offense is ready to go to work wasting no time throwing on this drive hit hard as he released the ball on that first down pass and it never had a chance well he didn't have a whole lot of time to get rid of that one the defense was all over him right after the snap no wonder that thing fell in after the misfire now on second down he's looking to throw heel off one deep down the left side and they can't hook up going for the big play on second down now it's third down well at this juncture in the game with how the scoreboard looks no question this offense is going to have to throw to get back in the game and it's going to be tricky now because the defense is expecting it you're to throw and do a lot of big Zone coverages with everybody's eyes on the quarterback not going to be easy on third down going up top fires to the wide out working on the right love to see these third down conversions on offense and they're out to their own 39 yd line this dude is just exceptional in every facet so fluid such a great route Runner and a big play there and money down third down find him I mean you want to find that match because he's going to win and gets a good release gets down the field you see his that's your playmaker that's your guy get it to him get the first down it's complete oh he left him grabbing lots of green grass as he gets it to the 31 and this defense is going to have their hands full because they're going to need to be comfortable with guys one-on-one on islands in the perimeter of the field and they're just going to have to make better plays than what we saw right there they knew this offense was going to try to be aggressive got to need better effort in the back end for this defense moving forward and the j-hawks have their offense in high gear he'll ride his man on the option at the 20 he's got space what a Nifty run there to pick up the first down and with that run he goes over 100 yards we knew coming into this game tonight they wanted to force feed him the football they knew to win the game they were going to have to establish the running game and be the more physical team in the trenches you turn around and give this guy the ball good things generally happen and we've seen that over the course of this game got it in the middle it's Arnold that throw and catch gets him down to the six and the defense is running out of answers and that's why the Bullet Pass is so important sometimes these defenses they don't give you big Windows to throw into and you want to take that chance but you cannot lob that football down the field and get it in there nice use of the Bullet Pass my friend operating in the Red Zone here on second down down from the gun the G looking for room he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple we've made our way to the two-minute warning and now they'll try to at least cut a little something off of this lead before the break not a lot of ground to cover and not much to defend a big third down in the red zone to the air it's Daniels he caught it and boy is he close to that first down maybe just a couple of inches short referee signals timeout as the defense wanting to make sure that they have everything just right with a big play coming fourth down and less than a yard and of course the offense is going to stay on the field they'll try it on the ground and he takes it in for the score touchdown Rock chop and that's a nice drive a nice physicality punching it in with the Run game and here's the thing I like where this offense is going nice job creating some momentum going into the half cutting down the lead this thing could get really exciting nice job answering the bill right before the half ready to try the point after and the extra point is good but they're still down 2414 so a drive there of 82 yds and they finish it off with the score from the four about to kick it away after scoring the touchdown he'll bring it back from inside his spot he was hoping for something a little more d damic but they get him on the ground at the 20 here comes the Ali ey offense back onto the field this time they need to take care of the ball and maybe extend this lead David and I think you got to look at the positive reason you still got the lead now take care of the football put a nice drive together Jesse you don't have to stress we're still winning I feel like they think that player for player they're the better unit on the field right now they just got to make more plays after that last incompletion here's second and 10 from their own 20 back to pass it's all fire got his man quickly and good coverage by the defense just a short game there's a Timeout on the field tight game here late in the first half really nice job by the defense keeping everything in front of you in that situation and rallying to the football and now you're rewarded with third and long so we'll see on this next and he's all bottled up and now it's worse the ball's loose and he was able to get back on top of his own fumble timeout is called and it's the defense wanting to make sure that everyone's on the same page for this big down Illinois lining up to putt this one away three and out and not much choice but to get rid of the ball he will make the fair catch just a few yards shy of Midfield line gets set first down he wastes no time and comes out throwing grabbed in the back field it's Neil tackled immediately after the catch yeah and you see running backs in today's football they play wide receiver basically for you but you got to find a guy that you can throw it to and you know he's going to catch the ball consistently clock's running and they'll try to get to the line warped speed for second down he's looking to throw fires deep toward the end zone and good coverage there to knock it away and deny the score yeah and I like to shot the aggressive play down the field we like throwing those jump balls up to my receiver which usually receiver makes the play and makes the defender look bad nice job by the defender getting the hand on it tipping that ball away from the wi receiv they couldn't make the connection on second down now a third and seven to keep the drive alive throws to the wide out catch in the middle it's Arnold and this defense was flailing as he weaved his way and got down to the 26 and they just want to give this guy a chance to make a play on third down and more times than not he is going to deliver he's so good so efficient such a good route Runner got the speed got the complete game so you definitely want to highlight him and especially on those Downs that matter the most if something's not open Quick underneath find him he'll make those contested catches and he laid the a lumber to stop him from getting the first down nice quick throw there it's so important for quarterbacks to be able to find a rhythm and to be comfortable and confident you want to just get the ball out quickly make it an accurate and easy throw and you could tell that these two guys they rep that play in practice all the time and it's now showing up here on game back to throw it's Daniels it is incomplete and now there are 4 seconds remaining and that's your goal separate B from ball try to get your shoulder in there on the catch point and really make give him something to think about physical jar that football and knock it out nice job by the defender and it's third down but they're going to go ahead and try the field goal and try to get points before the break it's good I know they're trailing going into the locker room here at halftime but kicking that field goal gives them a little bit of a jolt a little bit of a boost of momentum that they can carry with them into the second half and there's a a lot of football left to go here I can't wait to see what [Music] happens so they get the late field goal right before the half and not much time after this kickoff for an answer from inside the 10 here he comes they finally make the stop but that one will make those halftime stats look a little nicer as we head to the break first half in the books time now to join Kevin Connors in our halftime update guys you've been taking in a magnificent scene there today in Champagne two quarters of Bolt sides feeling each other out and it's likely to come down to which offense can find a way to generate some big plays adjustments will be a part of it maybe it's time these typically conservative play callers open up the Playbook nothing crazy but a calculated risk here and there to try to gain an edge in what's been a stalemate and with that let's send it back to the guys at Memorial Stadium here's the return from inside as 10 he was looking for more Running Room but none to be found as he stopped at the 23 the Illinois offense returns to the field they had this lead to start the third quarter because of the passing game didn't get a lot done on the ground they didn't but the quarterback is in a rhythm that was obvious in the first half and so this first drive you want to continue that you want to see good decision making you want to see him playing on time and as always delivering the football I mean I don't know how I don't give him the football it's the reason I built the lead he's the guy that I can trust this offense is built around him so I expect more of the same here in the second half Illinois lining up quickly wants to throw on first down going downfield for the big play touchdown the ey and they add six more to the board with that trip to the house this offense is high octane boy you just saw it not a lot of time needed for them to go all the way and score six well [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] done lining up to tack one more onto that lead and the extra point pushes the lead to 14 aggressive play calling on that drive just two plays they get the long touchdown pass to pay it off they're just about ready to kick it away on the run from inside his own five he was looking for more Running Room but nothing to be found as he stopped at the 23 the Kansas offense returns to the field now we'll get a chance to see if they can answer that last score trailing by 14 Jesse Yeah and at this point of the game I feel like offensively you should go back to what's been working for you in this game don't be afraid to dial up plays that you've already had success with running it and throwing it it's okay to repeat plays down 14 at this point and I would also say Palmer kind of understanding that my defense is not playing great so I know offensively I got to put some good possessions together here make something happen on this side of the football they get him at the 42 but he picked up 10 there well on offense you have got to love the way your offensive line is playing in this game they're getting tremendous movement up front they're climbing in the second level and really giving these backs and ball carriers a lot of room to run all game long it's first and 10 for this offense from the 42 they'll give it to him again he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three they're trying to run the football there's just nowhere to go for the ball carrier inside he tried to bounce it to the outside that linebacker way too fast he met him there Force the TF Out last play was a near disaster now dealing with second and 13 the give to the tailb One Step W two-step squeeze this junior knows how to get him on the [Music] ground guys this offense is already reeling down multiple possessions really need to cash in on this drive on Third and long try to convert through the air grabbed behind the line it's gner he ended up going backwards on the play and they will not convert that third down well give the defense credit on that one cuz they knew coming into this one that they were going to try to get this receiver the ball in a variety of ways they were ready for the screen there they create a negative play the j-hawks send out the punt unit let's see if he can help the coverage team out with this one he'll get it out to about the 20y yd line and that's where they'll Mark him down here comes the Ali offense back onto the field Jesse a very productive Drive last time wound up with a touchdown yeah mixing and matching play calling really well nice balance on that last one Dave we'll see what they can do here in this next Drive yeah and I don't expect anything different when you put together a drive like that I would do more of the same keep the pace keep it going Illinois right back to the line looking to pass it's alt Meer they're setting up the screen not a whole lot of room there on that screen pass as it just never developed the screen plays you really want to sell it get it to your running back and get him to the second level get him running full head of steam on a safety on a linebacker he almost got going but just got tackled before he could really do any damage on third down he drops to throw he's taking the shot and he makes the grab and gets the foot down what a job for a huge game there well how about the offense setting that play up we've seen earlier in the game a couple shorter throws they're just trying to suck those safeties closer to the line of scrimmage anticipating that they would get an opportunity to take a shot they called the perfect play at the perfect time right there wide out in motion try to get the edge with a quick touch pass inside the 15 he's run out of bounds but not before turning in a big pickup and moving the sticks for a first down in these touch passes it's so hard because there's always action off of it right if I fake this pass and I can run it up the gut or I can throw it and I just spread me out and make me defend so many things and you could tell they got on the edge quickly got the big first down quick strike complete this quarterback right now is in a Groove and he's doing a nice job in greas snap he's reading the coverage and he's getting an idea of where he wants to go with the football that's why the ball's coming out of his hands so quickly that's why he seems like he's in a great room right linebacker shuffling around trying to keep the quarterback from getting a read wide receiver now comes in motion he wants to throw it again under pressure pressure and down he goes at the 33 all right this offense needs to come up with a solution for this defensive end because he is a problem they have got to find a way to help out the offensive tackle to prevent this guy from getting to the quarterback a third and long coming up here to the air it's Alm they'll run the screen defense was not fooled by that screen to the back and they'll stop him short of the marker it'll be fourth down it's a nice effort by the running back but in that third and long situation it just too much work for that running back to convert that third down really nice job got to give the defense credit they surrounded him got him to the ground and they'll send the field goal B Team back out for the second time tonight it's good and now the lead is even bigger [Applause] that lead just keeps getting fatter in this kickoff team doing a little running and it'll come out to the 25 no attempt at a return Kanas gets the ball back and the jhawk offense is ready to go to work they'll try the Run trailing Now by 17 David this is an opportunity that they need to answer and down by 17 it's panic mode yet like I know we just gave up some points and our defense hasn't played great I think this offense can still be who they are and stay consistent no doubt lots of football to go but you do get the feeling this is the time of game where you know it could get bad if you don't score and all of a sudden they get the ball back they take it down the field and put some points up this thing might be over so absolutely this quarterback he wants to drive this offense down the field and at least put something and I love QBs that understand when they need to put extra sauce on the football you see your guy sit down in the zone running a curl boom fire that puppy to him get it on him now so he can catch it before he gets destroyed nice job by the QB put a little extra Sal back to throw it's Daniels finds his t spot in the middle and they'll finally get him down after a terrific pick up well not down in distance the quarterback's got to get rid of it so quickly right he knows the defense is going to be bar down on him so a nice job catching the gun snap and then turning and pivoting getting it out of his hands quickly and accurately to pick up the first and the j-hawks will have it first and 10 here's the handoff sweet cut there really good surge for this offense they move the chains and he's got it at the 34 when you're on offense you see so much of this nowadays you see misdirection you see somebody flying across the formation why to get the eyeballs of those linebackers to get them to move out of a gap one space Works to Perfection here that's why they break off the big gain on offense wide receiver coming across in motion touch pass on the Run he is stopped behind the line of scrimmage they'll lose yards on that one the first thing you have to do to make these plays successful offensively is I have to block The Edge I I got to get my Speedster in space they didn't do a good job of getting that guy out there in space where he could really use his Jets nice job by the defense understanding it seeing it rallying to it and tackling that guy for a loss quickly complete and he'll make his way out of bounds after the solid pickup well you can tell those two have been practicing the out route all off seon long they look like they could have completed that in their [Music] sleep and this offense is desperate to keep this drive alive trailing by multiple possessions and it's getting late they'll try to drive ahead on Third and short they've got it just outside the Red Zone they'll move the chains it's at the 21 well the defense knew coming into this one it was going to be a physical game guys are going to have to be great at the point of attack and get off blocks and make tackles it couldn't stop the offense from picking up that first down on that run play just on the edge of the Red Zone first and 10 from the 21 used the play fake now to throw unloads to the wide out got it and he'll step out of bounds just short of the goal line almost a touchdown but not in there yet throwing the comeback looks like such a simple throw but the timing is so important and as a quarterback man this is all about trusting your guy you know exactly where he's going to sit it down you anticipate it you throw it you know he's going to come back and make that play for you just GNA keep it after the snap touchdown Rock Chu jhawk and they take it in for six more points sometimes we ask coaches about halftime adjustments and they go blah blah blah blah blah blah and then sometimes they make some good ones sometimes that blah blah blah blah blah actually works but it's working now but it might be too little too late but at least you got the party started Pat unit on the field and with the extra point every little bit counts as they get closer so they put together a nine playay 75 yd drive and they capped it off with a one yd plunge about to kick it off after punching it in for the touchdown he'll start the return inside his SP he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 the Illinois offense returns to the field they kicked a field goal on the last Drive Jesse they've got the lead don't make a dumb mistake but maintain your aggressive play calling yeah no doubt I think it's the play caller right now just taking a look at that script he's got in front of him and finding out where are my Playmakers who can we take advantage of on this defense to get a touchdown here David yeah and just keep moving the ball down the field just execute a little bit better in the Red Zone there's no need to panic we're moving the football and we got the lead they'll give it to the back and a really short game before he gets a whole bunch of company from the defense I never know if it's grammatically correct to say a is being out physical you hear it a lot in football though that's happening in this game they are just not getting the push they need all game long up front to have any success when they decide to run it to the air it's alt Meer catch open down the middle and they finally haul him down but not before the good catch and run if you like the stats and I know you do he's over 400 yards passing now yeah if they win this game he's getting game ball there's no doubt about it this guy has been on fire from the very start of this football game he's just been throwing bullets all over the field the p and throw off the RPO and a good job of coverage by that defense just a short pick up great play by the cornerback he was just way too physical at the point of attack he beat his man trying to block him and he tackled that receiver on the [Music] screen so after the first down run here's second down quick release on the RPO finally run out of bounds but he has this offense rolling with a first down tell you what that's great execution between the QB and receiver they looked like they could execute that throw in their sleep quarterback took his steps Threw It On Top time great route by the receiver nice job securing the catch Illinois lining up quickly off the play fake on first down unloads it left it's caught downfield they're able to keep him out of the end zone he'll be stopped at the two after the big play in the passing game and the quarterback knew exactly where he wanted to go the football had time spins the Ball Deep nice job by this offense understanding what the defense is giving them and creating the explosive play Illinois looking to pay things off on first and goal looking to throw it's altm looking to the end zone can't make the grab as he was going for six right there [Music] and the D Deni him on second and goal he's looking to throw lets it go to the end zone and it's caught touchdown fighting a line ey the offense flexes its muscle a bit and widens the Gap take a little exhale you know you did your job you got points now you put your defense in position where hey go out and get another stop we're in great shape so the offense definitely taking care of their [Music] business they'll try to add another to their lead kick is up and good and put one more on the lead so an 82 yd drive there and it was finished off with a two- yd touchdown toss the kickoff unit about to go to work and they desperately wanted to attempt a return but decided not to instead they'll take the [Music] Touchback out of the gun the inside handoff looking for a crease picked up a useful 5yd chunk out to the 30 yd line it's going to be important this offensive line is able to get a little bit of push and just got to give this guy an inch a little crease and he can make yards for [Music] it halfway there on first down it's second and five off play action finds his man down the middle really nice job there by both guys to throw and the catch to work that defense and get the first down and that's a great example of this quarterback having intense confidence in his own armed tent that was not an easy window to throw into but he had the ability and he knew it the offense setting up shop at the 46 first and 10 they'll run it from the gun that's what you expect from a senior don't give them any extra yards great tackle there second after picking up a couple it's second and eight the run from the shotgun a solid pick up there before the defense is able to make the stop I think they called that knowing they weren't going to hit a home run so why would you call it that well you call it so third third down becomes an easier down it's not third and long where I have to pass the football now all options on the table every Journey begins with a step this offense needs to step into a third down conversion and then try to turn it into some scores and fast pass is incomplete but a lot of contact there I think it's going to be pass interference and a first down Defender got a little desperate there grabbed held and the offense will take the penalty the offense showing motion from the tight end trying to get a read on the D wants to throw on first down off the play fake got his man downfield touchdown Kan and they add six more to the board with that trip to the house got to start cutting into this lead somewhere now the question will they have enough time but that's step one you got to get that first score you got to get back in the ball game and get some of that momentum back on your side you still got more work to do but step one accomplished winding up to add [Music] another and the Pat will draw them one point closer a very efficient five play scoring drive and the score comes on a 35 yd pass for Six lining up to cover the kick after that touchdown drive here he comes from inside his own five nice job executing all of the assignments as they put a stop to that return at the 22 here comes the Ali ey offense back onto the field that last touchdown Drive was surgical through the air Jesse it sure was and that's why this offense is so dangerous David because they can score in a hurry because of how efficient they are throwing the football and welcome to Modern college football that's what it is spread you out find my Playmakers make quick decisions and really put defenses in a difficult situation picked up two yards on that last one they need eight on second down the hand to the running back gets the nose of the ball to the 25 give him one Illinois right back to the line looking for a man it's Alm looking left complete downfield they bring him down he's got a first down but that might be the final play of the third quarter these two quarterbacks have produced as we check out their numbers after three not only is a scoreboard on their side but so too is time as we open the fourth he'll come out throwing on first down and here's the pick and oh did they need that right now how about that making a play and setting up your offense inside the 40 at the 39 listen the enemy is the clock right you're down by two scores you got to make something happen really really good job by the defense forcing the turnover getting the ball back to your offense now you got to go score and I got to get one more stop the Kansas offense returns to the field they move the tight end all over from the gun leaves it on the inside with the back he's brought down but not before they pick up the big first down I tell you what with this kind of success on the ground I I think you two Knuckleheads could call plays I mean that's how easy it is for this offense right now they got the ground game working it's really easy now you can open up for other things but you guys could even try your hand because they're dominating right now they're getting this guy lathered up he is going nowhere stop at the line of scrimmage that's a great individual play and I love cornerbacks that don't just take pride in covering guys I like guys that like to put their face in the fan and affect the running game this dude is physical and he impacts the defense because of that and those guys are really hard to find a lot of Corners they're smaller they don't want any part of the physical run game nice job sticking his face touchdown Jayhawks and they take it in for six more points well how about that and after that touchdown we might have a finish after all Jesse I love it reys and this team is not quitting yeah they're down on the scoreboard right now but they are clawing and they are scratching their way back in this game they're going to keep going hard until this clock reads all zeros he'll try to tack on one more and it's up and good as they draw Just a Touch closer quick strike offense on that three-play scoring drive and they finish things off with a 21 yd touchdown pass just about set to kick it away and he takes this from inside the five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 the Illinois offense returns to the field snagged in the middle it's Sanders that RPO play was run to Perfection the Run fake forced and sucked the defense up and a nice job on the route by the receiver not telegraphing that he was breaking to the inside on the sling Illinois lining up quickly they go to the draw picks his way and gets four out to the 27 and you know when we talk about great third down defenses it really starts with them getting stops on first and second down you've got to get those stops early in the drives to set up third and long so that's a missed opportunity on that second down by this defense fairly manageable distance here on third down from the 27 they'll try to move the chains on the ground really nice job to get it past the sticks pick up the first down at the 30 well the defense didn't Blitz they didn't have everybody in gaps and the offensive line took advantage at the point of attack getting some push opening up a hole and the offense ripping off a nice run there Illinois coming back to the line with a first and 10 he leaves it with his back shows him the stiff arm not a lot going on there picked up a [Music] couple got three on first down it's second and seven got him looking run he wants to throw quickly complete that's a really good tackle there giving up some size and still making the play I like the idea by the quarterback there you're trying to get this first down so you find the tight end see if he can make a guy miss or shake a tackle not able to get it done uptempo for the offense quick release by the QB gets it to the 46 yd line first down for this offense this guy's been a go-to guy for this offense all game long we've seen that and here on a critical third down late in the game with the lead guess who shows up with another big one that guy Illinois putting together a really nice drive off play action on first first down that's reeled in it's Sanders and he goes out of bounds after coming up with positive yardage there I like the decision by the quarterback here just get the ball out of your hands get it to your playmaker a lot of times he'll dance and make even bigger plays than he did here but it was still a positive game the offense in hurry up mode the give to the back still running up the 40 and he'll pick up the first down after a tough run there and this is so frustrating late in the game when you got to get the football back and you can't stop them my goodness this drive has been going play after play after play this defense has got to find a way to Bow up make something happen get a stop and get the football back they'll throw it on first down got a in it's McCrae they make the stop right there good pickup it's still short of the first down you can hand it to him you can throw it to him either way he's making his presence felt those are your favorite plays re the him plays right they're finding ways to get him the ball because he can make plays whether it's running or receiving out of the back field they're going to continue to highlight this guy hand off from the gun wrestled to the ground after picking up the first down it's a point in the game I think as a coaching staff where you really challenge your offensive line to go win the football game right we've got to lead late we're going to run the football and the defense and everybody in the stadium knows that's what's going to happen can we run the ball down their throats and impose our will that's what this offense right now I was trying to do off the play fake on first down to throw got him downfield touchdown Illinois reeled it in and just made the house call if this dude were a kitchen KNE you would be slicing tomatoes so thin your in-laws would never come back to your house well I'd be a good D I don't know if I want my in-laws to come back anyways but he's been on fire he's been absolutely torching this defense they've had absolutely no an lining up to tack one more onto that lead and the extra point extends the lead to double figures at 10 so a drive there of 82 yds and they finish it off with a touchdown toss from the 23 there lining up to boot it away on the move from inside is five didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 Kanas gets the ball back and the jhawk offense is ready to go to work now they need to put something together to enter that last score there's a lot of pressure too on this offense to have to execute at a high level they've got to score points David but they can't go too fast cuz their defense right now is tired and I think that's the difficulty being a play call like I have to balance all of those things my defense is a little bit tired I can't put on the field but I got to be aggressive because this is a back and forth type game so a lot to process and think about second down coming up to throw it's Daniels find his tight end they stop him almost immediately short gain there and still a little ground cover to pick up the first that's really nice catch by the big tight end throwing those mids up there catching the football third down conversions are a huge stat and this one would be a doozy if they can pull it off from the gun wants to pass going to throw it over the top of the KNE it's complete a huge pick up he's off to the races The Tackle is made but he's got it first and goal from the six well trailing like they are right now in the fourth quarter their execution offensively is just going to have to be at a premium you can't afford a lot of incompletions at this point everybody is going to need to be on the same page moving forward first and goal and a great opportunity to slice into this lead they'll try to get it in with the Run he pushes it forward all the way to the 2yd line yd [Music] now it's second and goal tries again to get it in Into The End Zone he goes touchdown Rock chop so they get that score that they so desperately needed and now they've got a chance to pull this one out defense has got to give him a chance the defense needs to get the ball back to them quickly so they can March down the field and try and score and narrow the Gap again this offense they have The Playmakers to come back and win this football game they're going to need some help from the defense getting set for the point [Music] after and with the extra point every little bit count as they get closer a very efficient five-play scoring drive and finish to deal with the short touchdown run from the two the kickoff team takes the field to boot this one away he'll bring it back from inside to spot nice job executing all of the assignments as they put a stop to that return at the 22 here comes the Ali offense back onto the field they'll run it from the gun makes one man miss breaks a tackle and he's got room good solid pick up on that one they've got it out to the 40 and it's first down you know they Pride themselves on being physical at the point of attack dominated at the line of scrimmage nice job there picking up the first down Illinois right back to the line wants to throw it's Alm he lost one down the sideline and it goes through his hands oh he had an explosive play right there for the taking but couldn't reel it [Music] in that incompletion leads to Second down and 10 from the gun they'll give it on the inside really nice stop there from this senior leader third and long from the 42 if they can get some of it it might give them a chance to go for it on fourth down just gets rid of it before the heat defense has been looking so good on this drive so far they already set up third and long and now they take all the throws away down the field great job in coverage great job reading the QB's eyes so there's nowhere for him to go with it he's got to throw it away Illinois runs the punt unit onto the field this will be the second time they've had to kick it away fair catch called for and made the Kansas offense return turns to the field this is a game of swings and momentum and a great opportunity here after scoring on the last Drive getting a stop and now you have the football back they're playing well right now in all three phases and they're complimenting each other so now David it's up to the offense here it's up to this quarterback to lead this offense down the field to get a score yeah and to stay aggressive to to understand we've had success we got this going the right way now I don't need to change anything go back to your go-to plays that's now got you some momentum back in your favor and it's incomplete if you're going to take a hit like that you might as well hang on to the ball what a hit by the defender that's a good throw and that was going to be caught but how about the defender dislodging the football from its intended target nice job after they couldn't connect it's second and 10 from the gun the running back looking for room he will push his way out to the 38 pick up of three now this offense facing a third and long from their own 30 looking downfield it's Daniels all kinds of room to throw that one in there and he gets it to the 44 yd line it'll be a first down when you getting manto man coverage and you're running that curl I got to sell him deep I got to get a little bit of space where I can make him think I'm running deep running deep and then I sit down real quick QB wide receiver on the same page first down the jwks are on the Move gets it out quickly he's brought down solid pick up but a little bit short of the first [Music] down second now on second down and short using his legs it's Neil they get him on the ground but it's a first down well they get another big run for a first down and if you're on offense you love the way your offensive line is blocking early in this game they're getting tremendous movement and they're making life pretty easy for these running backs right now and the j-hawks will line it up on First and 10 might as well give it to him again up one bring up didn't get much on first down it's second second and nine they'll keep it on the ground to the right and he was fortunate not to lose yardage on that play able to wedge it back to the line of scrimmage you love to see that from the defense right it's like Ben don't break they've given up a bunch of plays on this drive but now that they're getting down close to field goal range you're seeing them start to stiffen up yeah and plays don't matter anymore yards don't matter all that matters with these defenses nowadays is points and limiting them dropping back it's Daniels he finds his man running toward the tape big big gain on that one as he steps out of bounds with a first down and as a defense how scary is it having to defend this guy he's one of the fastest players in America and you saw it on that last play it's not necessarily throwing him the ball over your head they just get it to him quickly the hard part now is running and tackling that guy not easy to to do and if they want to take the lead can't be thinking field goal here they'll need a touchdown to go up in the fourth On Target crisp execution in the passing game and they've got it down to the three well the drag routs put in this Playbook to fight against man-to-man coverage so there you see the receiver using his speed working his way across the field he gets Separation on the DB trying to Trail him makes the catch turns it up field for the first they're going to run it he steps and powers and works his way they finally get him down at the two it's third down now they ought to be able to get off one more play before the two-minute warning we have reached the two-minute warning and time is up the essence that this offense is going to make a play a touchdown here on Third and goal really ratchets up the game pressure from the gun wants to pass touchdown Rock Chu jhawk they move on top here in the fourth late in the game as a coach you're trying to find something that will work and how about the big fella the tight end comes up huge you needed a play you found him and he [Music] delivered they'll try to tack on an extra point here deep in the game and the EXT extra point is good and every Point counts it's now a fourpoint lead in the [Music] fourth almost ready to kick it away after scoring the touchdown and he'll bring it back really disciplined job by the coverage unit to get down there and make the stop at the 19 the Illinois offense returns to the field trying to find his man on first down not much of a chance there he just had to get rid of it to avoid the sack well at this point of the game the defense now is substituting their personnel they've got their dime package in the game there's a lot of DBS out there they know this offense is going to have to throw the football to climb back in this game didn't connect last time let's see if they throw it again on second down looking to throw it's Alm gets it out fast the offense gets a quick timeout at this point every second is precious here they come trying to convert a third and short from the 28 looking to throw for it here's a throw downfield late into double coverage and it's intercepted and a big return after the int he sets up the offense for this possession when you're down late in the game you got to make plays it's really tough not to force the football you could tell quarterback forces the football defense comes up with a huge interception Kanas gets the ball back and the J Hawk offense is ready to go to work and now Jesse the art here is to find the balance between milking the clock and trying to get another scho I think if you're the coaching staff too you like to see your team play its best in the fourth quarter right defense just did their job so offense now David has to go out and handle their business yeah you got the momentum because of the defense that given you some momentum that given you a great opportunity to take hold of this game and really put a stamp on it and he does a really nice job finding open SP face and making a good gain before the stop is made defense uses a timeout quickly trying to get that ball back and preserve time for their offense coming to the line looking for that first down on Third and short from the 29 he'll be stopped short picks up one but they're facing fourth and one [Music] so on fourth down here comes the field goal kicker in a huge [Applause] spot and the try is no good after the miss the lead is still four all right there's still life in the opponent because this team just had a chance to pad their lead with that field goal try they knock it off the post we've still got a good ball [Music] okay here comes the Ali offense back onto the field okay one possession game you've got some time to work with but you have to make up some ground quickly David got to be smart can't throw in front of the sticks can't get tackled in front of the sticks make sure we're taking some shots down the field chewing up some yards J the defense will be vulnerable here yeah and I think because of that David offensively you got to have a plan you got got to know where your best matchup is out on the perimeter and who can make the big catches here in small Windows no time to waste here they've got to get set and pick up chunk yardage back to throw it's altm and it'll be incomplete this is some physical pass defense third and long defense knows the pass is coming so they're going to have guys with their eyes on the QB but they are going to try to get to him with pressure pinning their ears back if you're on offense you might be thinking BL blit here you better get rid of this one quick got to get everybody lined up quickly time winding away and they've got to push the ball down the field that's caught it's Bryant they make the stop but this passing game does some damage and they move the sticks with the first down W what a great job by that quarterback finding his open receiver on third down you know guys one of the most telling stats at the end of the game is third down conversion percentage if you're great third down team it's invaluable to your offensive success and that's why teams drill third down so much in practice is incomplete now down they've got to move quickly here still a chance but they've got to force the ball down the field on second down just keeps fire now one falls out of bounds incomplete man this late in the game it's go time I got to have a score I'm not worried about downs I'm going through my two-minute script we know what's coming we practiced this all week it's second down incomplete pass go to third down if we need to go for it on fourth down this offense just has to keep that high energy up and try to run these plays fast on Third and long trying to have a big completion here and to get rid of it quickly well you look at the clock they've got time for one more play but they're out of Hail Mary range here needing a touchdown to win this game this is going to be a a last second last chance play that they practice by the way throughout the week it's going to involve probably a lot of laterals we've seen crazier stuff happen in college football the clock is relentlessly working against them down four they'll go for it on he tosses one high and deep down the left side Falls incomplete they fought to the final whistle but that's going to do it [Music] [Music]