Duke football prepares for Week 2 match against Illinois
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 12:30 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Duke visits Illinois on September 12 for a Week 2 clash after losing to the Illini last year. In their previous encounter, Duke fell 45-19, allowing 31 second-half points. Illinois, coming off back-to-back nine-win seasons and a Music City Bowl victory, is led by fourth-year coach Bret Bielema. Quarterback Katin Houser steps in for Illinois, aiming to build on a successful offensive previous season while Duke looks to improve defensively after last year's defeat. Both teams hope to establish momentum early in the new season.
- •Duke faces Illinois on September 12 in Week 2.
- •Duke lost 45-19 to Illinois last season.
- •Illinois won nine games last year, including a bowl victory.
- •Katin Houser is Illinois's new starting quarterback.
- •Duke aims to strengthen its defense following last year's defeat.
- 12:30 PMYahoo Sports — First glance at Duke's Week 2 road trip to Illinois
"Duke visits Illinois in Week 2, looking to avenge last year’s loss against an Illini team riding historic momentum under Bret Bielema.
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