Duke Rallies Past Illinois 31-27 to Improve to 2-0

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Duke rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit Saturday to beat Illinois 31-27 and improve to 2-0.

Nate Sheppard again powered the Blue Devils, rushing 24 times for 147 yards and a touchdown while also catching two touchdown passes. It was his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game.

Quarterback Walker Eget completed 15 of 21 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Duke trailed 24-14 before outscoring Illinois 17-3 the rest of the way.

The Blue Devils also delivered late on defense. Evan Smith came up with an interception and Kyon Loud broke up a fourth-down pass to help preserve the lead.

Duke has now won six straight games dating to last season. The Blue Devils return home to face Stanford on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m.