Nate Sheppard scores 3 TDs, Duke rallies to beat Illinois 31-27 for its sixth straight win

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- , Nate Sheppard ran for 147 yards and a touchdown and caught two touchdown passes to lead Duke to a come-from-behind 31-27 victory Saturday over Illinois. The victory was the sixth straight for the defending ACC champion Blue Devils in a streak that dates back to November 22, 2025, when they beat North Carolina 32-25. Duke (2-0) fell behind 24-14 in the second quarter and was down 24-21 at halftime. The Blue Devils never trailed again after taking a 28-24 lead in the third quarter. Walker Eget was 15 of 21 passing for 206 yards and three scores for Duke despite suffering a leg injury when he was sacked by Will Holmes in the fourth quarter. Eget returned to the game. Sheppard, an early Heisman Trophy candidate, said Duke isn't a one-man show on offense.