Illinois football vs. Duke recap: Live updates, interviews, photos, everything to know

· Yahoo Sports

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois. — The Illinois Fighting Illini are taking on the Duke Blue Devils in a Week 2 non-conference game at Memorial Stadium. 43-27 in a Big Ten Conference road game at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Illinois beat UAB in its season opener, handily, but remains unranked in the Top 25 polls. The Fighting Illini are among others receiving votes.

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Duke (1-0) won its opener, 17-3, over Tulane.

Illinois (1-0) hosts Southern Illinois next week before heading into Big Ten play with a Week 4 trip to Ohio State.

The Journal Star brings you a recap, scores and highlights from the game. Check below for live updates.

Stream Illinois vs. Duke on FS1 (free trial available)

Illinois football highlights vs UAB from Week 1

What Illinois coach Bret Bielema said after victory vs UAB

On the Illini new defense: 
"I am very glad we brought in a guy at every level from that system (3-3-5 defense). They were talking really good on the headset. I think they will make a lot of adjustments.”

On player usage in the opener: “We had the majority of our players in there through three and a half quarters, and I think that is a really good thing.”

Weather radar: Illinois vs Duke update

Expect game time temperature at 85 degrees. Less than 1% chance of rain. Wind west at 8-9 mph.

Illinois football vs Duke injury update

Illinois has four players ruled out: TE G. Smith, TE B. Thurman, WR A. Perry, TE T. Hollinger.

Duke has Javen Nicholas (questionable).

What time does Illinois vs. Duke start?  

  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
  • Time: 2:30 p.m. CT  
  • Where: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois.

What TV channel is Illinois vs. Duke on today?  

Illinois vs. Duke predictions

  • Dave Eminian, sports editor: Illinois 31, Duke 24
  • Adam Duvall, sports reporter: Illinois 28, Duke 21

Duke impressive drive

03:58 PM ET, September 12 2026, Dave Eminian

The Blue Devils put together an answering drive of four plays, 75 yards and jump into a 7-7 tie with 8:28 left in the quarter.

New Duke quarterback Walker Eget launches a perfect fade into the back left corner for a 12-yard TD to receiver Jonah Burton. Illini head coach Bret Bielema uses a coach's challenge on the play, but the call is upheld.

Illini strike first

03:54 PM ET, September 12 2026, Dave Eminian

Illinois quarterback Katin Houser hits Collin Dixon for a 13-yard touchdown pass to open a 7-0 lead with 10:23 left in the opening quarter.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois football vs. Duke recap: Live updates, interviews, photos, everything to know

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