Pregame Preview: Illinois Football Favored in Massive Early Road Battle with Duke

Following a dominant 52-3 season-opening win over Western Illinois, Illinois Football now turns its focus to a massive Week 2 road matchup at Duke. The game could have major implications for the Fighting Illini, as their promising 2025 campaign continues to unfold.

The Blue Devils enter this matchup with momentum under second-year head coach Manny Diaz, who has re-energized the program following a 9-4 season in 2024 and an appearance in the Gator Bowl. After a three-year stint as head coach at  Miami from 2019–2021, the former Hurricanes head coach and Penn State defensive coordinator (2022-2023) is once again back in the driver’s seat, taking full advantage of a program with potential that was in need of a turnaround.

A big reason for Duke’s optimism in 2025 is the addition of Tulane transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal entering the offseason. As a redshirt freshman, Mensah threw for a staggering 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns before deciding to transition to the ACC. With playmakers like Cooper Barkate and speedy Que’Sean Brown at his disposal, the transfer gunslinger looks poised to lead a dynamic Duke offense in 2025.

After a sluggish start that left Duke tied 10-10 at halftime with in-state FCS foe Elon, Mensah helped spark a dominant second half. The Blue Devils erupted for 35 points after the break. This helped them secure a comfortable 45-17 victory, with Mensah finishing 27-of-34 (74.4%) for 389 yards and zero turnovers on the evening.

With the talented Sophomore leading this energized program, the stage is set for an intense matchup vs Luke Altmyer and the experienced Fighting Illini.

Illinois Opens as Slight Favorites vs Duke

Like Illinois, Duke is certainly a program on the rise. This Week 2 clash stands as a statement opportunity for both sides to claim an eye-opening early victory.

According to ESPN, the Fighting Illini open as 2.5-point favorites on the road over the home Blue Devils. A win in Durham would certainly provide a huge momentum boost ahead of a Week 3 matchup with Western Michigan. Additionally, an early road victory at Duke could go a long way toward sustaining national buzz. After all, there is a growing conversation surrounding Illinois as a potential College Football Playoff dark horse.

How to Watch/Listen – Illinois Football vs Duke

Kickoff for Illinois Football vs. Duke is set for Saturday (9/6) at 11:00 a.m. CST or Noon EST at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

WATCH: You can watch the game on ESPN or stream it live via FuboTV.

 LISTEN: Tune into the Fighting Illini Sports Network on your local station at 11:00 a.m. CST, or catch it on SIRIUS XM Channel 382.

Credit: Alex Kyi – Armchair Illini

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