The biggest question mark for the Illinois football team has been the defense, and they showed us why in Saturday's game against Duke.
The Illini, who gave up 23 points to the UAB Blazers in week one, continued their woeful play in Champaign by giving up 31 points to the Duke Blue Devils.
Final: Duke 31, Illinois 27
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) September 12, 2026
Illinois struggled against Duke's offense throughout the 60 minutes of play, allowing 170 yards on the ground and 206 yards through the air. The Illini made Nate Sheppard look like the second coming of Walter Payton, allowing 147 yards and one touchdown to the sophomore running back.
The Illini's potent offense was able to keep them in the game in the first half, highlighted by Katin Houser's 135 yards and three touchdowns to Collin Dixon. They were held to only three points in the second half, leading to Illinois' first loss of the season.
If Bobby Hauck's unit continues to falter, this may be a long season for Illinois football
Illinois' non-conference schedule has become one to forget for Bret Bielema and Co., as their defense has given up 54 points through its first two games. They have struggled mightily during the easiest part of their schedule, and the offense has had to keep them respectable.
This is a problem for Illinois, especially once they get past Southern Illinois next week. Their opponents are not going to get any easier, with Ohio State looming in week four.
The Illini would need a miracle to make the College Football Playoff, which means that fans should be hoping for a bowl game by season's end. But if they want to get there, the defense is going to need to make a monumental turnaround.
The offense may have had problems of its own against the Blue Devils, but 27 points in a losing effort is just an annoying feat. Unless something changes, Houser may need to start breaking scoring records in order to keep this team alive.
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