Duke football secures 31-27 road victory over Illinois

Duke defeated Illinois 31-27 on Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium. Duke running back Nate Sheppard recorded three touchdowns, including a late fourth-and-two conversion to ice the game. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser threw three first-half touchdowns to receiver Collin Dixon, but the Illini offense stalled in the second half, adding only three points. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema noted defensive struggles in wrapping up ball carriers as a primary concern following the loss. The result drops Illinois to 1-1 on the season while moving Duke to 2-0. Illinois failed to capitalize on opportunities, including a fourth-quarter turnover on downs inside Duke territory.

• 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Tackling should be priority one,’: Illinois falls to Duke