Duke Blue Devils vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions September 6th 2025

Illinois vs Duke Picks and Predictions September 6th 2025

It’s been nearly two decades since the Illinois Fighting Illini won a road game against a power-conference non-league opponent. On Saturday, they travel to face a surging Duke Blue Devils team that’s won 17 of its last 20 at home. Something has to give.

Ranked No. 11 and loaded with experience, Illinois is out to rewrite recent history that’s featured road losses at Kansas, Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, and Arizona State. Their last such win? All the way back in 2007 against Syracuse.

Despite that trend, head coach Bret Bielema is optimistic. “I’m really excited to get out there and play a good team on the road and really see exactly what we’ve got from our guys,” he said this week.

Recap of Week 1

Illinois opened the season with a dominant 52-3 win over Western Illinois. Quarterback Luke Altmyer was efficient, going 16-of-21 for 217 yards and three touchdowns. With most of the offense returning intact, chemistry was evident from the first snap.

Duke also cruised, pulling away from Elon 45-17 after a sluggish first half. The Blue Devils were tied 10-10 at the break but exploded in the third quarter, led by Tulane transfer quarterback Darian Mensah. He completed 27-of-34 passes for 389 yards and three scores in his debut.

For updated odds and betting insights, visit College Football Picks and NCAAF Odds.

Key Team Stats

Matchup Storylines

From Kansas in 2023 to Virginia in 2021 and UNC in 2015, Illinois has repeatedly stumbled in hostile, non-conference territory. But this year’s group features veteran continuity—especially on offense. Bielema’s ability to maintain roster and coaching consistency has helped shape this team into a potential College Football Playoff sleeper.

Duke’s QB Star on the Rise

Darian Mensah, one of the highest-valued NIL quarterbacks in the nation, made an immediate impact. His accuracy, decision-making, and calm under pressure were evident in Week 1. Illinois’ defense will be a tougher test, but he already looks like one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC.

Defensive Chess Match

Duke head coach Manny Diaz knows this Illinois roster well—he faced many of these players while serving as Penn State’s defensive coordinator. He praised Bielema’s ability to build and maintain a winning culture: “Criminally underrated, in my opinion, for what he’s done with the three programs he’s been at.”

That knowledge could provide a slight tactical edge for Duke on Saturday.

Expert Picks and Prediction

This is one of Week 2’s most intriguing matchups. Illinois has more experience and better trench play, but Duke has home-field advantage and a red-hot quarterback. The Illini are favored slightly, but this game should go down to the final possession.

Picks Table

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