Duke’s trip into Big Ten country paid off in a big way, and the reward showed up in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll.
After beating Illinois 31-27 on Saturday, the Blue Devils picked up 19 votes in this week’s poll, a jump of 15 from the previous week. That kind of climb doesn’t put Duke inside the top 25 yet, but it does show the win got noticed.
The victory itself had plenty to recommend it. Nate Sheppard scored three touchdowns, and Walker Eget bounced back from what was described as a “not very good” debut to throw three touchdown passes. Duke needed every bit of that offense because Illinois stayed in it early.
Then the Blue Devils’ defense took over when it mattered most.
After looking vulnerable in the first half, Duke held the Fighting Illini to just three points in the second half. The Blue Devils also slammed the door on two fourth-down tries and came up with an interception of a Katin Houser pass to help finish off the road win.
The last time Duke showed up in the coaches poll’s top 25 was in October during the 2023 season. For now, the Blue Devils are still on the outside looking in, but they’re moving closer.
There are only two ranked opponents left on Duke’s schedule: Miami, which is No. 5, and Virginia, which sits at No. 25.
At the top of the poll, Texas held No. 1, followed by Georgia, Notre Dame, Indiana and Miami. Ohio State dropped to No. 6, while LSU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Alabama rounded out the top 10.
Virginia remained at No. 25, while Florida fell out of the rankings. Among the teams receiving votes, Duke’s 19 matched Vanderbilt’s total and put the Blue Devils in the mix just outside the bracket.
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