2. Turnovers completely changed the game
While Luke Altmyer did have a great game against Duke, and his progression is fun to watch, let’s also be honest about what changed the game completely. The ability for Illinois to force turnovers put Duke in a bad spot.
It all started with the muffed punt by the Blue Devils. That was huge for the Illini, as we were down 3-0 late in the first quarter. Illinois needed something to go our way, and that started the snowball.
Darian Mensah had his way with the Illini defense most of the day, but the big plays changed it all. Duke was driving to maybe tie the game. They got to the Illinois 13-yard line, and Gabe Jacas forced a fumble and kept the game 14-6 in favor of the Illini.
The Blue Devils were driving against in the third quarter with Illinois up 21-13. A touchdown would maybe tie the game again. On a 24-yard completion, Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey punched the ball out and gave the ball back to the Orange and Blue.
For the game, Duke had five turnovers. They coughed the ball up four times on fumbles and they threw one interception that was an incredible play by Illinois defensive back Tanner Heckle. This game completely turned with turnovers.