Duke faces Illinois in college football matchup at Champaign

Duke prepares to travel to Champaign to face the Illinois Fighting Illini in a Week 2 college football matchup scheduled for Saturday. The Blue Devils enter the contest following a 17-3 season-opening win against Tulane, a game in which running back Nate Sheppard recorded 227 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Illinois Fighting Illini opened their season with a victory over UAB, highlighted by quarterback Katin Houser completing 13-of-17 passes for 182 yards and three scores. Duke staff members noted the team must improve its ball security after struggling with turnovers in previous meetings against Illinois. Coaching staff and analysts remain divided on the outcome of the upcoming game, citing Duke's defensive strength against the passing game of the Fighting Illini. The teams will meet on the field to determine the result of this early-season ACC and Big 12 non-conference battle.

• 8:01 PMYahoo Sports — Duke vs. Illinois: Staff predictions