Duke quarterback Henry Belin IV is brought down by Illinois’ Miles Scott and Tanner Heckel during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Kaitlin McKeown
The News & Observer
Duke falls 45-19 to No. 11 Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. Quarterback Darian Mensah was 23 of 34 for 334 yards and two scores. The Blue Devils had five turnovers during the game, including four fumbles and one interception.
Duke’s Andrel Anthony is tackled by Illinois’ Leon Lowery Jr. and Kaleb Patterson during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke’s Tre Freeman reacts following an Illinois touchdown during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
A fan watches from the stands during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss to Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke quarterback quarterback Darian Mensah fumbles the ball while being pressured by Illinois’ Gabe Jacas during the first half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke’s Jaquez Moore jumps out of bounds over Illinois’ Miles Scott during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke quarterback Darian Mensah looks to pass during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke’s Caleb Weaver (3) celebrates following a defensive stop during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke head coach Manny Diaz looks on from the sidelines during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke’s Jaiden Francois tackles Illinois’ Aidan Laughery during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke’s Nick Morris Jr. reacts following an Illinois penalty during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke quarterback Henry Belin IV is brought down by Illinois’ Miles Scott and Tanner Heckel during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke quarterback Darian Mensah looks to pass during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss to Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke’s Andrel Anthony and Brian Parker II help up teammate Darian Mensah during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss to Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Duke’s Jaiden Francois runs the ball past Illinois’ Kaleb Patterson during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-19 loss on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
This story was originally published September 6, 2025 at 2:10 PM.
