Illinois at Duke: Live updates, score, highlights
An intriguing matchup awaits in Durham to kick off Week 2. Illinois and Duke are both looking to make a run through their respective conferences, and Saturday’s game will serve as an important checkpoint for both teams. The Blue Devils are led by Tulane transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, who put together an impressive debut last […]
An intriguing matchup awaits in Durham to kick off Week 2. Illinois and Duke are both looking to make a run through their respective conferences, and Saturday’s game will serve as an important checkpoint for both teams.
The Blue Devils are led by Tulane transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, who put together an impressive debut last time out against Elon. As for the Fighting Illini, they have a slew of key pieces returning from last year’s 10-win campaign, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer.
On3 is tracking the showdown between Illinois and Duke with live updates, analysis and instant reaction. Follow along throughout the Week 2 game.
Half: Illinois 14, Duke 13
09/06/2025 12:53:43 PMIllinois took a 14-13 lead into halftime, though Duke was able to get some momentum late in the second quarter. The Blue Devils totaled 240 yards of offense, led by 187 passing yards from Darian Mensah. Illinois got 137 passing yards from Luke Altmyer, though the run game stalled against the Blue Devils’ defense.
Andrel Anthony makes incredible TD catch
09/06/2025 12:51:28 PMAided by a roughing the passer penalty against Illinois, Duke got a few more chances before halftime. Darian Mensah was able to capitalize as he found Andrel Anthony, who officially got the toe-tap on a highlight-reel catch to make it a 14-13 Fighting Illini lead just before the break.
Duke turns it over in red zone
09/06/2025 12:29:34 PMDeep in Illinois territory after a 62-yard pass from Darian Mensah to Chase Tyler, the Fighting Illini defense once again made a big-time play. They forced a fumble on a strip-sack to get the ball back with 3:55 to go in the second quarter.
Illinois extends lead
09/06/2025 12:24:15 PMOn third down deep in Duke territory, Luke Altmyer found Cole Rusk in the back corner of the end zone. He held on to the ball as he hit the ground, and Illinois extended its lead to 14-6 with 5:01 remaining until halftime.
Duke gets another FG
09/06/2025 12:04:54 PMPenalties moved Duke out of the red zone before the Blue Devils settled for another field goal. Todd Pellino’s 40-yard try was good, and Duke cut the Illinois lead to 7-6 with 11:12 left in the first half.
Dylan Rosiek heads to injury tent
09/06/2025 12:00:15 PMIllinois linebacker Dylan Rosiek headed to the injury tent with an apparent left leg injury, according to the ESPN broadcast. He later returned to the sideline and went to the bench.
End 1Q: Illinois 7, Duke 3
09/06/2025 11:48:51 AMIllinois held a 7-3 lead after the first quarter of Saturday’s game, going against a staunch Duke defense. The Fighting Illini totaled 35 yards in the first quarter while the Blue Devils had 89 through the first 15 minutes of play.
Illinois capitalizes, takes lead
09/06/2025 11:43:40 AMWith strong field position, Illinois eventually punched in a touchdown when Kaden Feagin got the 1-yard score. That put the Fighting Illini ahead, 7-3, with 1:51 to play in the first quarter.
Duke muffs punt, Illinois recovers in red zone
09/06/2025 11:38:33 AMQue’Sean Brown went to field a punt after the Duke defense held strong, but muffed it deep in the red zone. Illinois recovered the fumble, setting the Fighting Illini up at the 18-yard line.
Duke strikes first
09/06/2025 11:15:48 AMDuke marched down the field on its opening drive, going 52 yards in nine plays, before eventually kicking a field goal. Todd Pelino drilled a 40-yarder, giving The Blue Devils the early lead, 3-0.
Kickoff
09/06/2025 11:09:02 AMIllinois won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. Duke received the opening kickoff, which went out the back of the end zone for a touchback.
College GameDay picks Illinois at Duke
09/06/2025 10:55:41 AMThe ESPN College GameDay crew picked Illinois at Duke at the end of Saturday’s show. Desmond Howard, Nick Saban and Pat McAfee went with the Fighting Illini. Kirk Herbstreit and guest picker Trae Young picked the Blue Devils.
Pregame: Illinois at Duke
09/06/2025 10:44:36 AMAhead of kickoff, Illinois is a 2.5-point favorite against Duke in Saturday’s game, according to BetMGM. The over-under is set at 49.5.
Kickoff: Noon ET
Channel: ESPN
Announcers: Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek
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