DB Xavier Scott Helps Keep Illini Alive In First Half Against Kansas

Shandel Richardson | Sep 7, 2024

Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) before the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The Illinois Fighting Illini can almost thank defensive Xavier Scott for single-handedly helping them to a 13-10 lead against Kansas at halftime.

Scott had two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown to put the Illini ahead at halftime.

The Illini are trying to avenge last year's 34-23 loss to the Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kan. Scott was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore. He played high school ball at William T. Dwyer, one of the top programs in South Florida.

Here's the game preview:

Illinois welcomes Kansas into Champaign for the first time since 1968 with a colossal opportunity at stake for fourth-year coach Bret Bielema.

The Fighting Illini carry a sold-out environment into Saturday night for the first time in eight years. After a nearly two-decade spell of turmoil under several coaches, including former NFL mainstay Lovie Smith, the program attempts to turn a corner toward consistency.

The Illini are coming off a season in which five of seven losses were decided by a touchdown or fewer. The two other losses were less competitive, which included an 11-point road loss to the Jayhawks, 34-23. It's a game in which defensive coordinator Aaron Henry has gone on record saying he has watched "100 times," arguably making it the most critical of Bielema's tenure.

How To Bet On Illinois vs. Kansas

As of Friday, Illinois is a 5.5-point underdog according to BetMGM, with ESPN projecting the Illini at a 33.1 percent chance to win.

How To Watch Illinois vs. Kansas

Illinois-Kansas will air nationally at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on FS1 from Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. The Fox Sports App allows users to stream the game through participating TV providers.

How To Buy Illinois vs. Kansas Tickets

Tuesday night, Illinois Athletics announced that all general admission tickets sold through the school website were sold out. However, limited availability remains through its ticketing partner, SeatGeek. This is the Illini's first nonconference home matchup sold out against a ranked opponent since 2011.

Upcoming Illinois Schedule

After Illinois faces Kansas, it will welcome Mid-American Conference opponent Central Michigan next Saturday for Homecoming Weekend before the Illini begin Big Ten competition with a trip to Nebraska on Sept. 20. It is the fourth straight year Bielema will face the Cornhuskers, winning two out of the first three matchups. Nebraska won last year's meeting in Champaign, 20-7.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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