The Illini are coming off a win over UAB in the season opener and will host Duke for Game two on Saturday afternoon. Illinois is a slight favorite against Duke after blowing out the Blue Devils in Durham last season.

Duke won the ACC championship last season but finished the year with a 9-5 record. The Illini cruised to an easy 45-19 victory in last year's matchup, and fans are hoping for a similar result when the Blue Devils travel to Champaign this weekend.

Both teams have experienced significant turnover from last season, and we will see new quarterbacks leading the way on both sides. Duke lost quarterback Darian Mensah to Miami during the offseason, while former Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer is now in the NFL. The two quarterbacks combined for 630 passing yards in last year's matchup, but I expect both teams to rely heavily on the run in Round two on Saturday.

Duke running back Nate Sheppard will be at the top of Illinois' scouting report after an impressive performance in Week one. Sheppard rushed for 227 yards and two touchdowns in Duke's season opener and will present a major challenge for an Illinois defense that struggled to slow down UAB's rushing attack.

There could be plenty of points scored in this matchup if both teams are able to establish the run. Illinois' defense will need to make significant improvements from its performance in the season opener, particularly against the run, if the Illini want to avoid a close game.

Illinois has a chance to begin the season 2-0 for the third straight season with a win against Duke on Saturday. The Illini defeated Duke last season after beating Kansas to begin the 2024 season, giving Illinois an opportunity to once again start the year with back-to-back victories.

Saturday's game will also give Illinois another opportunity to play in front of a massive home crowd this season. The game is sold out, and the enhanced features inside Gies Memorial Stadium, including the new lights and scoreboard, should create an electric atmosphere in Champaign.

Here is everything you need to know before Illinois and Duke meet inside Gies Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon:

Duke Blue Devils (1-0) @ Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0)

Location: Gies Memorial Stadium

Kickoff: Saturday, September 12 at 2:30 p.m. CT

Channel: FS1

Spread: Illinois -6

Moneyline: Illinois -230

Total: 51.5

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TE G. Smith — OUT

TE B. Thurman — OUT

WR A. Perry — OUT

TE T. Hollinger — OUT

It should be a phenomenal crowd inside Gies Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon in Champaign. The game is sold out, and the enhanced stadium features should give the Illini the home-field advantage they need to earn another victory over Duke.

Illinois has a chance to make an early statement with a 2-0 start, but Duke will provide a much different challenge than UAB. If the Illini can slow down Sheppard and force Duke to become one-dimensional, they should have a strong opportunity to defend their home field and start the season undefeated.