ESPN's Desmond Howard Gives Shout Out To Illini LB Dylan Rosiek

Shandel Richardson | Sep 7, 2024

Sep 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Toledo Rockets wide receiver Jermaine Foster (10) tries to elude the tackle of \Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Dylan Rosiek (28)during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Need more proof on how much hype is surrounding today's Kansas vs. Illinois matchup?

Just turn on the television.

The Illini received mention during ESPN's morning broadcast of College GameDay. Although the crew is in Ann Arbor for the Texas-Michigan game, it talked about the Illini and No. 19 Jayhawks matchup.

"The Fighting Illini on defense," ESPN's Desmond Howard said. "We're talking about a stingy group, loves creating takeaways and turnovers and look out for Dylan Rosiek, too."

The defense needs a strong performance if the Illini have any chance of an upset.

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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