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The Big Question: Who is Illinois Football's X-Factor Against Duke?

The Big Question: Who is Illinois Football's X-Factor Against Duke?

As Illinois gears up for its first true test of the season on the road at Duke , much of the spotlight will fall on quarterback Luke Altmyer and the the Illini defensive front, which will be relied on heavily to generate pressure to disrupt the Blue Devils’ offense.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 1
ESPN's Analytics Predicts Illinois at Duke in Week 2: Do the Numbers Lie?

ESPN's Analytics Predicts Illinois at Duke in Week 2: Do the Numbers Lie?

Thus far, ESPN’s analytics have been quite accurate in predicting the outcome of Illinois football games – a solid 1-for-1. The numbers expected coach Bret Bielema’s crew to knock off Western Illinois, and lo and behold, the Illini did just that.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 1
Illinois Must Pressure Duke Quarterback Darian Mensah to Win – And Here's Why

Illinois Must Pressure Duke Quarterback Darian Mensah to Win – And Here's Why

In Week 1, No. 12 Illinois did what it was supposed to do, taking down Western Illinois in convincing fashion. But the Leathernecks were coming off a 4-8 season in the FCS and were, for all intents and purposes, an exhibition opponent – an opening act for the real thing.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 31
The Big Question: Does Illinois Actually Have Three Starting Running Backs?

The Big Question: Does Illinois Actually Have Three Starting Running Backs?

Illinois’ 2025 opener against Western Illinois was hardly an edge-of-your-seat, back-and-forth thriller. It was a largely unentertaining 52-3 decimation – and a reminder that there are levels to this in college football.

College Football News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 31
Where Will Illinois Football Rank in the AP Poll After Week 1 Win?

Where Will Illinois Football Rank in the AP Poll After Week 1 Win?

Just hours from now, the second AP Top 25 poll of 2025 will be officially released, and Illinois – after a 52-3 Week 1 pounding of Western Illinois – will likely climb from its current spot at No.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 30
Three Things We Learned in Illinois' Season-Opening Win Over Western Illinois

Three Things We Learned in Illinois' Season-Opening Win Over Western Illinois

After a 52-3 thrashing of Western Illinois, it isn’t easy to pinpoint Illinois’ strengths, weaknesses and everything in between. The lower level of competition allowed the Illini to thrive (or at least appear to) in nearly every aspect of the game.

Luke Altmyer News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 30
Illinois' Luke Altmyer Shines vs. Western Illinois – But Has Room for Growth

Illinois' Luke Altmyer Shines vs. Western Illinois – But Has Room for Growth

A 52-3 season-opening win. Two-hundred and seventeen yards and three touchdowns – with just four incompletions. Based on the raw stats and production,

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 30
Five Numbers That Defined Illinois’ Dominant Win Over Western Illinois

Five Numbers That Defined Illinois’ Dominant Win Over Western Illinois

No. 12 Illinois wasted no time disposing of Western Illinois in Friday's opener, routing the Leathernecks 52-3, after jumping out to a 31-0 halftime lead.Western Illinois is among the worst FCS programs, but Illinois did what a team is supposed to do against that caliber of team.

Luke Altmyer News / NBC Sports / August 30
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 30
Social Media Reacts as Illinois Football Hammers Western Illinois

Social Media Reacts as Illinois Football Hammers Western Illinois

After its long-awaited arrival, the 2025 Illinois football season finally got underway on Friday night at Memorial Stadium in front of a packed, eager crowd.

College Football News / NBC Sports / August 30
Gabe Jacas News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 29
Is Illinois Football Linebacker Gabe Jacas Even Better Than We Thought?

Is Illinois Football Linebacker Gabe Jacas Even Better Than We Thought?

Everyone in the college football world knows the name Gabe Jacas . He isn’t “under the radar” or a “dark horse candidate” for any award lists. Jacas, the most dangerous threat on Illinois' defense, is the No.

Hank Beatty News / NBC Sports / August 29
Bret Bielema News / Sporting News / August 29

Bret Bielema backs up Illinois football hype with one-sided first-half against FCS team

It's all Illinois in Champaign as the nation's No. 12 team is rolling Western Illinois at halftime of its Week 1 game. The Illini aim to build on their success from last season.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 29
Weather Report and Game Conditions: Illinois vs. Western Illinois in Week 1

Weather Report and Game Conditions: Illinois vs. Western Illinois in Week 1

At this time of year, any weather is college football weather. Fans who have waited eight full months since the end of the 2024 season at this stage would gladly wade through typhoons, dust devils and El Niño for two hours of 11-on-11.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / August 29
EA Sports' 'College Football 26' Simulates Illinois vs. Western Illinois

EA Sports' 'College Football 26' Simulates Illinois vs. Western Illinois

It’s finally here: Illinois football is back. The Illini open their season under the lights at Memorial Stadium against Western Illinois on Friday (6:30 p.m.

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