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DURHAM, N.C. (WCIA) — Illinois will come home with the first non-conference Power 4 road win since 2007.
The No. 11 Illini defeated Duke 45-19, a win that saw five fumbles from the home team.
Kaden Feagin scored the game’s first touchdown late in the first quarter to give Illinois the 7-3 advantage. The Illini did not allow a Duke touchdown until the final seconds of the second quarter.
Duke’s first turnover came on a Gabe Jacas forced fumble, recovered by Matt Bailey, who ended the day with five solo tackles and a forced fumble of his own.
Cole Rusk’s triumphant return to football came with an eight-yard reception in the endzone, carrying Illinois to a 14-13 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, both Justin Bowick and Hank Beatty found the endzone. Beatty ended the day with 153 all-purpose yards. One of the plays of the day came early in the fourth as Tanner Heckel picked off Duke quarterback Darian Menshah for his first career interception.
The Illini held Duke scoreless in the fourth quarter to win 45-19, the first road win of the year to open the season with a 2-0 record.
Illinois returns home on Sept. 13 to face Western Michigan.