The Duke Blue Devils (1-0) host the No. 11 Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
The Fighting Illini are slight favorites (-2.5) in their game against the Blue Devils, with the over/under being 49.5 points. (On the moneyline, the Fighting Illini are -137 and the Blue Devils are +115.)
Keep reading to check out our betting primer for this this contest between the Fighting Illini and the Blue Devils, and uncover all of our expert picks here, too!
Illinois -2.5 vs. Duke
Illinois vs. Duke betting lines
- Spread favorite: Fighting Illini (-2.5)
- Moneyline: Fighting Illini (-137), Blue Devils (+115)
- Total: 49.5 points
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: Fubo
Illinois vs. Duke betting info and stats
- Illinois has yet to lose a game against the spread so far this season (1-0-0). In one game played when favored by at least 2.5 points, Illinois covered the spread. Illinois has not been favored on the moneyline yet this season. Duke, through one game with a set spread so far this season, is 0-1-0 against the spread. This is the first time on the year Duke is an underdog on the moneyline.
Illinois vs. Duke key players
Illinois Fighting Illini
- Luke Altmyer’s previous season stat line: 2,717 passing yards (209.0 per game), 211-for-347 (60.8%), 22 touchdowns and six picks. He also ran for 217 yards on 99 carries with four rushing TDs.
- Josh McCray picked up 609 rushing yards (46.8 per game) and 10 touchdowns last year.
- Aidan Laughery churned out 589 yards on 97 carries (45.3 yards per game), with four rushing touchdowns last season.
- Patrick Bryant II collected 54 receptions for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He was targeted 83 times, and averaged 82.0 yards per game.
- Zakhari Franklin also impressed receiving last season. He had 55 receptions for 652 yards and four touchdowns. He was targeted 96 times.
- Hank Beatty reeled in 20 passes on 30 targets for 294 yards and one touchdown, averaging 24.5 receiving yards per game.
- Gabe Jacas did his thing last season with a memorable stat line of 8.0 sacks, 10.0 TFL and 62 tackles.
- Last season Matthew Bailey tallied 82 tackles and one interception.
- Xavier Scott intercepted four passes last year while also totaling 37 tackles, 1.0 TFL, one sack, and four passes defended.
Duke Blue Devils
- Maalik Murphy averaged 244.3 passing yards per outing and threw for 26 touchdowns last season.
- Star Thomas averaged 72.6 rushing yards and collected seven rushing touchdowns. Thomas added 1.7 receptions per game to average 15.3 receiving yards.
- Last season Peyton Jones rushed for 317 yards. He also scored four total touchdowns.
- Jordan Moore was targeted 7.7 times per game and racked up 861 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over the course of 2024.
- Eli Pancol averaged 61.4 receiving yards on 7.1 targets per game in 2024, scoring nine touchdowns.
- Sean Brown caught 41 passes on his way to 445 receiving yards and two touchdowns a season ago.
- Last year Wesley Williams racked up 7.0 sacks, 7.0 TFL and 43 tackles.
- Ozzie Nicholas had a stellar defensive performance last season with 95 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 0.5 sacks, and one interception.
- A year ago Terry Moore collected 64 tackles, 5.0 TFL, one sack, and four passes defended as well as four interceptions.
BetDecider Team
The BetDecider team brings you the most current sports betting content, with expert insights and tips. Our aim is that you can make an informed betting decision, including best odds and exclusive sportsbook offers, to maximize your betting experience.
