Though, Duke Was Trailing Illinois 24-21 At Halftime Saturday In Champaign Illinois Duke Came Back To Win 31-27 Because Nate Sheppard Scored Three Touchdowns

Nate Sheppard who is a sophomore running back for Duke had 35 carries for 227 yards on Saturday September 5, 2026 in Duke’s 17-3 win over Tulane in Durham

Nate Sheppard picked up right where he left off this time helping Duke come back to win 31-27 following Duke trailing Illinois 24-21 at halftime Saturday September 12, 2026 scoring three touchdowns. Nate Sheppard ran for 2 yard run Cosme Salas kicked, made extra point getting Duke within 14-17 with 7:05pm remaining the 2nd quarter before yet again in the quarter with 38 seconds remaining in 2nd quarter getting within 21-24. In the 3rd quarter Duke Nate Sheppard caught 3 yard pass from Quarterback Walker Eget for touchdown giving Duke 28-24 lead . Though, Nate Sheppard wasn’t the only one to contribute offensively as Cosme Salas kicked made 39 yard field goal in 4th quarter making final score 31-27 Duke.

Following Duke coming back to win 31-27 because Nate Sheppard scored three touchdowns Head Coach Manny Diaz shared his thoughts by saying at halftime sometimes you have to have adjustments about doing something different just doing something better . that was a huge part of the game we kind of took control after that. There might have been a bit different but mainly was just better than I thought. A big part of it was stop playing with fear . We’re giving them too much space to much credit . They’re really good but we’re tentative and I felt like we just cut loose and let go in the second half.

According to Chip Alexander News & Observer article https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article317150659.html

Duke is now going to prepare to host Stanford on Saturday September 19, 2026!

Unlike Duke who won their previous game Stanford meanwhile who is coming a bye week is coming a 45-6 loss to Miami Friday September 4, 2026 in Stanford California because offensively they only kicked, two field goals as Emmett Kenney kicked made 30 yard field goal at the time making 7-3 Miami in 1st quarter Emmett then kicked, made 24 yard field in 2nd quarter at the time making score 28-6 Miami.

Following Stanford’s 28-6 loss to Miami Head Coach Travita Pritchard shared his thoughts by saying We got down in the red zone a couple times . We got to finish . I think that’s what that spoke to we got to find consistency we gotta finish in the end zone.

According to ESPN App

Kickoff for Duke, Stanford is set for 4:00pm Eastern Time 1:00pm Pacific Time from Brooks Field @ Wallace Wade Stadium!

The game is going to be televised on CW!

Though,

Who is commentating the game is to be determined!