DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The Blue Devils football team had a slow start in their season-opening game against Elon, but they can’t afford that in Week 2 as a top-ranked team comes to Durham.
Duke (1-0) is hosting No. 11 Illinois (1-0) in an early-season test for Manny Diaz’ squad. Kickoff at Wallace Wade Stadium is set for noon.
The Blue Devils defeated Elon 45-17 on Aug. 28 to start the season. In that game, new quarterback Darian Mensah shone in the second half, throwing three touchdown passes after the break. He finished with 389 yards on 27 of 34 passes. Cooper Barkate led the receivers with 117 yards, but it was Sahmir Hagans who found the endzone twice. Hagans finished with 54 yards. Anderson Castle led the Duke running backs with 69 yards.
The Fighting Illini opened their season with a dominant 52-3 win at home over Western Illinois on Aug. 29. Illinois starting quarterback Luke Altmyer threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns, completing 17 of his 21 pass attempts. On the ground, Aidan Laughery had 101 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Up next for Duke is a trip to Mensah’s former school — Tulane. The Blue Devils will travel to New Orleans for a matchup against the Green Wave on Sept. 13.