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No. 11 Illinois Pulls Away at Duke 45-19 After Second-Half Surge, Duplicate-Number Flag

A duplicate-number flag on a punt, spotted by an Illinois assistant, prolonged a drive that swung the game’s momentum.

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 06: Hank Betty #17 of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates his touchdown with Luke Altmyer #9 during their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Alex Halloway/Getty Images)
Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini kicker David Olano (24) kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during the third quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Luke Altmyer threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns as Illinois turned a one-point halftime edge into a comfortable win.
  • Hank Beatty led the receiving corps with eight catches for 128 yards and added a 25-yard rushing touchdown.
  • Illinois special teams assistant Chris Hurd alerted officials to two Duke players wearing No. 8 on a punt, and the ensuing penalty kept alive the go-ahead touchdown drive that Bret Bielema called the play of the game.
  • Duke committed five turnovers with no takeaways, including a muffed punt and a red-zone fumble, and is now minus-6 in turnover margin through two games.
  • Illinois outscored Duke 31-6 after halftime with 287 yards and no sacks allowed, while Duke’s Darian Mensah passed for 334 yards and two scores in the loss.