Walker Eget Looks to Find Stride as Duke Takes on Illinois

The Blue Devils hit the road for their first true road test of the season against a Illini squad who pummeled the team in a 45-19 loss a year ago, which featured 5 turnovers.

What We Know

Nate Sheppard enters this road game coming off the fifth most rushing yards in program history, in addition to two touchdowns, playing with a chip on his shoulder after being left off several preseason award watchlists. The bruiser back has reiterated the team cares about who is still within the locker room and not who is off the roster, which sent honest shade towards a group of individuals in Miami.

(photo courtesy of Duke athletics)

However you slice and dice it, he's right. This team has been picked again to finish in the bottom portion of the league, and is still finding it's footing with a quarterback in Walker Eget who is getting comfortable under Manny Diaz.

Settling In

Eget will need to find his receivers early and often after putting up a pedestrian performance versus Tulane, but nevertheless secured the win not turning the rock over. Finishing 13-26 for 131 yards, it's about timing, and being comfortable inside the pocket.

Manny Diaz called the win versus Tulane an Identity win.

(photo courtesy of Duke atheltics)

Javen Nichols is expected to be a game time decision as he was ruled out at the last minute versus Tulane.

New Scheme

Expect Illinois to stack the box against Nate Sheppard who attempted 35 rushes a week ago in their new 3-5-5 defense by new defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck.

(photo courtesy of AP/ Melissa Tamez)

The ECU transfer Katin Houser added three scores against UAB, completing 13 of 17, so the secondary will be tested at times, and will look to get off the field on third down against the Illini who also converted 50% of those possessions.

Prediction

I believe the Blue Devils show life early and often with it's run game and Walker Eget silencing some of the critics from a week ago finding his spots and controlling time of possession.

Duke - 24, Illinois - 20