⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Duke's Nate Sheppard ran for 227 yards and two touchdowns against Tulane; Illinois allowed UAB 194 rushing yards and 16 missed tackles, per PFF. The preview sees a rushing opportunity but warns that Bobby Hauck's new pressure-oriented 3-3-5 can create negative plays. Bielema linked some tackling problems to limited live work during an injury-affected camp, not an assurance they will persist. - Duke QB Walker Eget went 13-of-26 for 131 yards without a touchdown or interception in the opener. Manny Diaz attributed the struggles to timing between throws and route breaks and said responsibility was not solely on the quarterback. The writer calls for play-action completions and Jeremiah Hasley involvement to deter loaded boxes; those are recommendations, not announced play-calling changes. - Duke held Tulane to 54 rushing yards and 3-of-14 on third down, with three sacks and seven tackles for loss; Bryce Davis had two sacks. Illinois presents a different passing test: Katin Houser opened 13-of-17 for 182 yards and three passing touchdowns, plus 29 rushing yards and a score. The preview highlights his quick release as a counter to Duke's pressure, not a guaranteed matchup result. - Duke had a 32-yard field goal blocked; another block from 27 was erased by offsides before Cosme Salas made a 22-yarder. The preview flags protection, timing and execution across the unit. Illinois received a 65-yard Mac Resetich punt return that set up a touchdown, while Ethan Moczulski made all six extra points and recorded six kickoff touchbacks in its opener.

- Duke quarterback Walker Eget completed only 3 of 7 throws beyond 10 yards and 10 of 19 for 94 yards from clean pockets in the 2026 opener against Tulane. Tight end Jeremiah Hasley drew a team-high seven targets but caught two for 36 yards, while Jonah Burton led the receivers with five targets; the passing limitations were not solely a product of pressure. - Duke generated 26 pressures in its 2026 opener against Tulane despite replacing all four starting defensive linemen from 2025. Tyshon Reed led with six pressures, Bryce Davis produced three tackles for loss and two sacks, and Tulane averaged 9.5 yards to go on third down while converting 3 of 14; that gives Illinois a specific reason to avoid long-yardage situations against Manny Diaz's aggressive front.

- Duke averaged only 4.7 yards per pass attempt against Tulane, with a 6.4-yard average depth of target illustrating the limited passing threat despite the 17-3 win. - Sheppard carried 35 times for a career-high 227 yards against Tulane, including a career-best 165 yards after contact, making tackle-breaking a major part of Duke's rushing production. - Duke recorded 153 combined tight-end snaps over 79 offensive plays, with the report identifying frequent two- and three-tight-end personnel as a way to support the offense while its quarterback and perimeter play develop. - The initial PFF review identified Duke's experienced interior of Craycraft, Larsen and Smith as the offensive line's strength, while its new tackles graded less favorably and still needed adjustment despite a productive team rushing performance.