By admin 
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WNCN) — The defending Atlantic Coast Conference football champions have a big early test on the road.
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Duke (1-0) is in Champaign Saturday to take on the Illinois (1-0). The game, which is the back end of a home-and-home series between the two programs, is set to kick off at Gies Memorial Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET. The two teams played last season in Durham, a matchup that Illinois won 45-19.
The Blue Devils opened their season with a 17-3 win at home over Tulane in Week 1. Nate Sheppard rushed for 227 yards, finding the end zone twice. New Duke quarterback Walker Eget threw for 131 yards in his Durham debut.
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The Fighting Illini had a much higher-scoring affair in their Week 1 game. They defeated UAB 42-23 in Champaign to open their 2026 season. Former ECU quarterback Katin Houser, now with Illinois, threw for 182 yards and three passing touchdowns while also recording 29 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Up next for the Blue Devils is a matchup against the Stanford Cardinal. That game will be in Durham on Sept. 19.
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