No. 12 Illinois Faces Duke in Saturday Big Ten-ACC Football Showdown

This weekend, No. 12 Illinois football faces Duke in a highly anticipated Big Ten-ACC matchup, with Illinois favored by 2.5 points despite Duke being seen as the underdog. Illinois comes off a dominant 52-3 win over Western Illinois, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has shown solid passing performance, while Duke seeks to capitalize on recent quarterback upgrade Darian Mensah. Analysts highlight Illinois' strong returning lineup, including all five starting offensive linemen and the running back trio, as well as their ability to exploit Duke's weak run defense and pass rush. Duke, under head coach Manny Diaz, is on an upward trajectory after a 9-4 season last year, but their defense struggled against Elon, and their pass rush ranks poorly nationally. The game, kicking off at noon ET on ESPN, is seen as a key test for Illinois as they aim for a College Football Playoff breakthrough, while Duke looks to leverage home advantage and recent improvements. Both teams' performances in this matchup will provide early season insights into their potential for the 2025 campaign.