Duke Blue Devils vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction, 9/12/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Duke Blue Devils vs Illinois Fighting Illini

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Location: Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL

TV: FS1

Odds/Point Spread: Fighting Illini (-6.5)

Total/Over-Under: 53.5

The Duke Blue Devils (1-0) are headed to Gies Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2026 where they will go up against the Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0). Illinois opens as 6.5-point favorites from oddsmakers. The over/under comes in at 53.5.

The Duke Blue Devils head into this matchup 1-0 for this year. The last time they took the field, the Blue Devils stepped onto the field against the Tulane Green Wave and notched a win by a score of 17-3. The Duke Blue Devils ended up rushing 49 different times and amassed 250 yards, which earned them an average of 5.1 yards per attempt. In the game, they tallied 77 plays which gave them a total of 381 yds. Duke allowed 17 pass completions on 30 attempts for 204 yds, and a completion rate of 56.7%. When it came to the battle of the line of scrimmage, the Blue Devils conceded 54 yds on 26 tries, which averages out to 2.1 yds per rush allowed.

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When it comes to scoring points, the Duke Blue Devils are averaging 17.0 points per game. As a team they're averaging 250.0 yards on the ground which has them sitting 31st in college football. The Blue Devils have attained 381 yards in total for the year. In terms of distribution of touchdowns, Duke has amassed no touchdowns through the air and 2 touchdowns via the ground. Duke has compiled 20 first downs as a team, and they have committed 8 infractions for 53 yards. They have surrendered the ball 1 time.

The Blue Devils rank 17th in the country when it comes to team defense, allowing 3.0 points per game. They are allowing 2.1 yards per rushing attempt and 54.0 rushing yards per contest this season. In total, they have given up 54 rushing yards through 1 game. In terms of passing yards, the Blue Devils have given up 204 yards which ranks them 74th in college football. They are conceding 204.0 yards per outing through the air and allowed a completion percentage of 56.7%. During the season, they are granting 258.0 yards per game ranking them 51st in the nation. They have yielded no touchdowns through the air in addition to no touchdowns via the ground game.

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The Fighting Illini head into this game 1-0 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Fighting Illini walked away with a victory by a final of 42-23 when they faced the UAB Blazers. Illinois ran for 5.8 yards per tote, finishing the contest with 150 yds on 26 attempts. The Fighting Illini finished the contest with a total of 332 yards on 43 plays (7.7 yards per play). The Fighting Illini passing defense conceded a completion percentage of 58.1%, surrendering 219 yds on 18 for 31 through the air. Illinois surrendered 48 running attempts for 194 yards (4.0 yds per carry).

When looking at their scoring prowess, the Fighting Illini are sitting 42nd in the nation holding an average of 42.0 PPG. The Illinois Fighting Illini hold an average of 332.0 yards per contest, which has them sitting 103rd in D-1. The Illinois offense has compiled 3 penalty yds on 1 infraction, ranking them 137th in the country in terms of helping out the opposition. They have given away no picks while letting opponents recover no fumbles and they have been able to record 17 first downs. During the season to this point, the Fighting Illini currently sit at 182 yards through the air. They are averaging 150.0 yards per game via the rush.

The Fighting Illini are conceding 23.0 points per game, which puts them 93rd in the country. Illinois has allowed the opposition a total of 194 rushing yards in addition to 1 touchdown by way of the ground game this year. They have conceded 1 touchdown through the air and 219.0 yards per contest, ranking them 88th in D-1. The Fighting Illini defense has participated in 79 plays, which ranks 113th in D-1. They have compiled no fumbles recovered and 1 interception on the season.

Who will win tonight's Blue Devils/Fighting Illini college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Fighting Illini -6.5

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