Sign up for our daily Illini football newsletter here
Greetings from "Can't Wait For Saturday," your morning morsel of college football, courtesy of longtime Illini beat writer, AP Top 25 voter and Heisman state rep Bob Asmussen. He'll give you his views each day on the game he loves.
***
If Illinois had picked up a sixth win in 2023 and earned a bowl bid, one likely destination was Chase Field and the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
Illinois hasn't played in the Phoenix area since a game at Arizona State early in Tim Beckman's tenure. Oh well, maybe next year.
Illinois fans should have insight into one of the teams in Phoenix. Kansas beat Illinois early in the season at Lawrence, one of eight victories so far for coach Lance Leipold. Kansas plays surprising UNLV.
While the Kansas quarterback situation has been impacted by injury, the running back spot is set. Devin Neal is finishing a monster season with 1,209 yards and 15 touchdowns. He ran for 120 yards on just 10 carries in the 34-23 win against Illinois on Sept. 8.
Big question is whether or not Neal will be with the Jayhawks when they play at Illinois next season. The game is scheduled for Sept. 7 at Memorial Stadium.
Kansas faces an interesting schedule in 2024, playing games in all four time zones. The trips stretch from Morgantown, W.Va. to Tempe, Ariz.
Remember, Oklahoma and Texas are gone from the Big 12 next season. If Leipold keeps his key players like Neal, 10 or more wins are possible. And a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
Don't forget, you read it here first.