Duke vs Illinois Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 12th, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 09/11/2026, 10:12 PM ET

Duke vs Illinois Game Information

The Duke Blue Devils will take their first road trip of the season Saturday, facing the Illinois Fighting Illini in Champaign, IL, at 3:30 PM. Duke is undefeated this season after a 14-point win against Tulane a week ago. The Illinois Fighting Illini stay home Saturday, also undefeated after a 19-point victory in Game 1 of the year. Stay in the action with our College Football Picks.

Duke Preview

Defensively, Duke was terrific a week ago, giving up 3 points on 258 total yards. Offensively, Duke was the far better team, scoring 17 points, including 10 in the first half, on 381 yards. Walker Eget led the way for Duke a week ago, completing 13 passes for 133 yards. Nate Sheppard carried the Duke offense with 227 yards and 2 touchdowns on 35 carries. Jonah Burton had the team high with 38 yards on 3 receptions, and Jeremiah Hasley added 36 yards on 2 catches.

Illinois Preview

Defensively, Illinois did have some trouble a week ago, giving up 23 points on 413 total yards, but forced 1 turnover to pick up the victory. Offensively, Illinois did the job, scoring 42 points, including 21 in each half, on 332 total yards. Katin Houser carried Illinois last week, completing 13 passes for 182 yards and 3 scores, and ran the ball 3 times for 29 yards and 1 touchdown. Ca’Lil Valentine led the way on the ground for Illinois last week with 88 yards and 1 touchdown on 11 carries. Collin Dixon led the team with 70 yards and 2 touchdowns on 6 receptions. Ty Robinson added 54 yards and 1 score on 1 catch.

Duke vs Illinois Pick

Illinois should be the favorite, but the Duke Blue Devils will compete on Saturday. Look for Duke to make the plays on both sides of the ball to keep things close enough as they pursue an underdog win. Expect Illinois to pull off the victory, but the Duke Blue Devils will stay close enough to cover the number Saturday on the road.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers

Subscribe Now

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.
  • Pick: Duke Blue Devils +5.5
  • Secondary: Under 51.5

Final Score Prediction: Illinois wins, but Duke covers 24-20

Betting on College Football?

BetMGM Sport

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Recommended BetMGM Sport Bonus
Min. Deposit $5
Cashable No

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

FanDuel Sportsbook

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus
Requirement New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days ($50 Bonus Bets per day)
Cashable No

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

DraftKings Sport

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer DraftKings Sport Bonus
Min. Deposit $5
Requirement New DraftKings Customer Offer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES ($50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days for 21 days)*
Cashable No

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Sunday September 13 2026

Cowboys vs Giants prediction

The Dallas Cowboys travel to face the New York Giants in a rivalry matchup loaded with storylines, making this a great game to check against...

Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Sunday September 13 2026

Commanders vs Eagles prediction

The Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Commanders in a rematch of the NFC Championship Game from two seasons ago, but the vibes surrounding this matchup...

Western Kentucky vs Georgia Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 12th, 2026

Western Kentucky vs Georgia Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 12th, 2026

Western Kentucky vs Georgia Game Information The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will be on the road Saturday for a 12:45 PM game inside Sanford Stadium in...

Sweeps Royal Friday Coinback: 15% Back + Daily SC Bonus

Sweeps Royal Friday Coinback: 15% Back + Daily SC Bonus

Friday is one of the more important promotion days at Sweeps Royal. The sweepstakes casino currently offers a 15% weekly coinback every Friday, giving eligible...

Miami Dolphins vs Las Vegas Raiders Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Sunday September 13 2026

Dolphins vs Raiders prediction

The Las Vegas Raiders open the season as short home favorites against the Miami Dolphins, and the number on the board raises a fair question...

Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Sunday September 13 2026

Packers vs Vikings picks

Green Bay travels to Minnesota for a Week 1 NFC North showdown, and this rivalry matchup is a great one to check against the latest...

Video: Today's MLB BEST Bets: Brewers vs Padres + Royals vs Dodgers Picks and Predictions
Today's MLB BEST Bets: Brewers vs Padres + Royals vs Dodgers Picks and Predictions
Video: Daily Profit: Can The Seahawks REPEAT?? NFC West Betting Preview
Daily Profit: Can The Seahawks REPEAT?? NFC West Betting Preview

A broad list of handicappers publishing premium picks across NFL, NBA, CBB, NHL, CFL, and soccer, including Rob Vincilleti, Ben Burns, Mike Lundin, Sean Higgs, Ross Benjamin, and algorithmic teams like Advanced Sports AI.

Ben Burns Billy Coleman Bruce Marshall Bryan Power Chip Chirimbes David Delano David Hess Jackie Mack Jesse Schule Joe Duffy Joseph D'Amico Marc David Mark Ruelle Mark Zinno Mike Fink Mike Lundin Nick Parsons Pro Sports Picks Razor Ray Monohan Ricky Tran Rob Vinciletti Rocky Atkinson Ross Benjamin Sean Higgs Sniper Wes Stephen Nover Steve Seagrave Terry Edelmann The Gold Sheet Tom Macrina Tony Karpinski Trent Bets Will Rogers
logo

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. T&C's Apply. Void where prohibited. If you click on a link on this site which takes you to a bookmaker or casino and you subsequently open an account, Pick and Parlays may receive a commission. Bets placed are the responsibility of the bettor.

Follow us

Copyright © 2026 Picks and Parlays. All rights reserved.

The sports news and information contained at this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of laws whether they are federal, state and/or local is prohibited. Picks and Parlays is the nation's premier resource for sports betting and handicapping information.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Special Offer
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Play now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.