Duke travels to Champaign, Ill., on Saturday to face Big 10 member Illinois. It is a rematch of last year’s game in Durham, in which the Fighting Illini pulled away for a 45-19 victory.
Vegas thinks the odds are in Bret Bielema’s team again this season, with Duke starting as -6.5 underdogs to Illinois.
The Illini are coming off a season-opening 42-23 win against UAB. Quarterback Katin Houser completed 13-of-17 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receiver Collin Dixon caught six passes for 70 yards and two scores. Illinois running back Ca’Lil Valentine rushed 11 times for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Duke used a big effort on the ground from running back Nate Sheppard (35 rushes, 227 yards, two touchdowns) and stellar defense to start
off the 2026 season with a 17-3 victory over Tulane.
The Blue Devils and Fighting Illini kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke starts as touchdown underdog to Illinois
