Illinois football hands #19 Kansas a loss with impressive 23-17 victory

The Illinois football team celebrated a 23-17 upset win over No. 19 Kansas Saturday night at Memorial Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd. 

By September 8, 2024 9:13 am
Chambana TodayHundreds of Illini fans stormed the field as the team celebrated a 23-17 victory over Kansas.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois football team celebrated a 23-17 upset win over No. 19 Kansas Saturday night at Memorial Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd.

Illinois’ first over a ranked opponent in Champaign since homecoming in 2019, a 24-23 win over no. 11 Wisconsin. The win is also the program’s first over a non-conference-ranked opponent since 2011.

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer went 16-of-25 for 192 yards with zero turnovers. Zakhari Franklin had nine catches for 99 yards, and Pat Bryant had three receptions for 70 yards.

The student section was energized as they helped propel their team to victory.
Fans passed the Block I flag around as the team built on their momentum.

Bands from area high schools performed at halftime alongside the Fighting Illini marching band. The game drew 60,670 fans – the first sellout at Memorial Stadium since 2016. The stands remained full as the clock ran out, and hundreds of attendees stormed the field.

Illinois hosts Central Michigan next Saturday. The win will help their confidence against more ranked opponents this season – No. 8 Penn State, No. 10 Michigan and No. 7 Oregon – are all on their schedule this season.