Duke and Illinois are set to meet in Week 2, with the game set to take place in Durham, N.C. It should be a thoroughly intriguing non-conference matchup, one that will tell us plenty about both programs.
Both are coming off convincing wins in the season opener. Both quarterbacks had an excellent season debut.
Ahead of Week 2’s marquee matchup, the early point spread and more have been revealed. All odds are courtesy of BetMGM. The Fighting Illini have opened as a 2.5-point favorite on the road over the Blue Devils. The over/under is set at 49.5.
How to watch Illinois at Duke
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Channel: TBD
Location: Durham, NC
Quarterback play will be a big factor in this matchup, with both teams boasting very capable starters. Luke Altmyer is entering his third season as a major contributor at the position, so he gives Illinois plenty of experience.
Duke starter Darian Mensah has a similar level of experience, albeit not with the Blue Devils. He transferred in from Tulane this offseason.
Mensah was electric in the season-opening win over Elon, throwing for 389 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Duke shared the load in the backfield, with at least four players receiving three or more carries.
Duke managed to pull out a 45-17 win over Elon in the season opener. Meanwhile, Illinois topped Western Illinois 52-3.
Altmyer was equally impressive in his opener, going 17-of-21 passing for 217 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception.
Meanwhile, Illinois has really built its identity around being a hard-nosed team under coach Bret Bielema. To that end, the Fighting Illini ran for 209 yards and three touchdowns in the opener.
This should be a good, competitive contest, as indicated by the line from BetMGM. The winner will undoubtedly leave themselves in an excellent position moving forward.