DURHAM, N.C. (WCIA) — Illinois will come home with the first non-conference Power 4 road win since 2007.
The No. 11 Illini defeated Duke 45-19, a win that saw five fumbles from the home team.
Kaden Feagin put Illinois on the scoreboard with the opening touchdown late in the first quarter, securing a 7-3 lead. The Illini’s defense held strong, preventing Duke from scoring a touchdown until just before halftime.
Duke’s initial turnover happened when Gabe Jacas forced a fumble, which Matt Bailey recovered. Bailey had an impressive performance, tallying five individual tackles and causing a fumble himself.
Cole Rusk’s triumphant return to football came with an eight-yard reception in the endzone, carrying Illinois to a 14-13 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, both Justin Bowick and Hank Beatty scored touchdowns. Beatty wrapped up the game with 153 all-purpose yards. A highlight from the fourth quarter occurred when Tanner Heckel intercepted Duke’s quarterback, Darian Menshah, marking his first interception in his career.
The Illini held Duke scoreless in the fourth quarter to win 45-19, the first road win of the year to open the season with a 2-0 record.
Illinois returns home on Sept. 13 to face Western Michigan.
