CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — Nate Sheppard ran for 147 yards and a touchdown and caught two touchdown passes as Duke came from behind to beat Illinois 31-27 on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Walker Eget threw three scoring passes for the Blue Devils, who improved to 2-0. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser threw three touchdown passes to Collin Dixon, and Ethan Moczulski made two field goals for the Fighting Illini, who slipped to 1-1. Duke, the visiting team, trailed early before taking control. The Blue Devils opened the season with a home win over Tulane, while Illinois began with a home win over UAB. Duke returns home to face Stanford on Sept. 19, while Illinois hosts Southern Illinois on Sept. 19. Duke will host William & Mary on Sept. 26, and Illinois will visit Ohio State on Sept. 26. The nonconference game was played at Illinois in Champaign.