Duke Survives Illinois to Extend Winning Streak

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Duke stretched its winning streak to six games with a 31-27 victory at Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 12. Sophomore running back Nate Sheppard tallied three total touchdowns, including two receiving scores, to help power the Blue Devils (2-0) to their 11th one-score victory under head coach Manny Diaz.

Quarterback Walker Eget went 15-for-21 through the air, recording 206 passing yards and three touchdown strikes. Jonah Burton started the scoring for the Blue Devils with a touchdown reception in the opening quarter for his first career TD.

On the ground, Sheppard eclipsed 100 yards for the third consecutive game with 147 yards on 24 rushing attempts. The running back is the first Blue Devil to post triple digits on the ground in three consecutive outings since Star Thomas did so during the 2024 campaign.

After falling behind by 10 points, 24-14, late in the second quarter, Duke outscored Illinois by 14 points, 17-3, the rest of the way to secure the road victory. The Blue Devils’ defense made several key stops late in the contest, including Evan Smith’s first interception as a Blue Devil and a fourth-down pass breakup by Kyon Loud.

Duke’s winning streak is its longest since capturing seven consecutive games from Nov. 25, 2023 to Oct. 4, 2024. With the victory, the Blue Devils are 2-0 for the fourth time in the last five seasons, a first for the program since a nine-year stretch from 1949-57.

Duke returns home to host Stanford for a 4 p.m. kick Saturday. The game will be aired live on The CW.