DUKE WINS THE BATTLE UP FRONT, HOLDS OFF ILLINOIS 31–27
Blue Devils’ Ground Control and Fourth-Quarter Defense Decide the Starts Up Front National College Game of the Week
By the Starts Up Front National & Global Recruiting Board
September 12, 2026 | Champaign, Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Duke defeated the University of Illinois, 31–27, Saturday afternoon at Gies Memorial Stadium in a closely contested matchup ultimately decided by execution in the trenches.
Illinois held a 24–21 halftime advantage and extended its lead to 27–21 during the third quarter. Duke responded with 10 unanswered second-half points and protected its four-point lead throughout the fourth quarter.
Although the scoreboard recorded the final result, the foundation of the game was established by the offensive and defensive linemen. Duke finished with 170 rushing yards, 206 passing yards and 376 total yards. Illinois countered with 111 rushing yards, 271 passing yards and 382 total yards. Duke converted both of its fourth-down opportunities, while Illinois finished 1-for-3 on fourth down. The Blue Devils also won the turnover battle, 1–0. Duke Athletics’ official game center confirms the 31–27 final and complete team totals.
DUKE’S OFFENSIVE LINE CONTROLS THE DECISIVE BATTLE
Duke’s offensive front delivered the most influential trench performance of the afternoon.
The projected starting group of Nick Del Grande, Jordan Larsen, Matt Craycraft, Bradley Smith and Braden Miller helped Duke establish a physical running game that produced 170 yards. The Blue Devils consistently created movement at the line of scrimmage, reached the second level and kept the offense ahead of the chains.
Center Matt Craycraft anchored the interior operation, while tackles Nick Del Grande and Braden Miller worked to contain Illinois’ edge pressure. Guards Jordan Larsen and Bradley Smith helped generate interior displacement and rushing lanes against Illinois’ three-man defensive front.
Duke assembled multiple sustained scoring possessions, including drives covering 75, 90, 75 and 75 yards. Those possessions reflected more than production from the backfield—they demonstrated the conditioning, communication and consistency of the five linemen creating the opportunities.
The Blue Devils averaged approximately six yards per rushing attempt and surrendered only one credited sack. That combination allowed Duke to maintain offensive balance and complete the fourth-quarter comeback.
Duke’s offensive line earns the Starts Up Front Offensive Trench Unit of the Game recognition.
WILL HOLMES LEADS THE ILLINOIS DEFENSIVE FRONT
Illinois defensive lineman Will Holmes delivered the Fighting Illini’s strongest individual performance in the trenches.
Holmes finished with four total tackles—one solo and three assisted—and one sack. His sack represented Illinois’ only officially credited sack and at least one verified tackle for loss. Holmes also remained active against the run and pursued plays beyond his initial gap.
Interior defensive lineman Darrell Prater added three total tackles, including two solo stops. Prater battled double teams, occupied interior gaps and helped prevent Duke from controlling every early-down rushing attempt.
Christian Janki and Isaiah Thomison each recorded a solo tackle, while Joe Barna contributed two assisted tackles. Pat Farrell and Deon John were each credited with an assisted stop.
Farrell also appeared to produce an early sack, but the play was erased by a defensive holding penalty and therefore did not count in the official statistics. That sequence demonstrated his ability to penetrate the pocket, even though it was removed from the stat sheet.
Illinois’ defensive-line production included:
- Will Holmes: four total tackles and one sack
- Darrell Prater: three total tackles
- Joe Barna: two assisted tackles
- Christian Janki: one solo tackle
- Isaiah Thomison: one solo tackle
- Pat Farrell: one assisted tackle
- Deon John: one assisted tackle
The individual defensive totals are listed in the CBS Sports game book.
Holmes earns the Starts Up Front Illinois Defensive Lineman of the Game recognition.
ILLINOIS’ OFFENSIVE LINE STANDS STRONG IN PASS PROTECTION
Despite the loss, Illinois’ reconstructed offensive line produced several positive moments.
The unit of Christian Martin, Maika Matelau, Jake Renfro, Brandon Hansen and Nathan Knapik helped Illinois generate 382 yards of total offense and 27 points. Most notably, the group did not surrender an officially credited sack.
Illinois completed several explosive passing plays and sustained multiple scoring drives because the offensive line consistently formed a workable pocket. The Illini ran 68 offensive plays, recorded 23 first downs and maintained possession for 33:14.
Veteran center Jake Renfro, a team captain and Rimington Trophy watch-list selection, directed the interior communication. Christian Martin and Nathan Knapik protected the edges, while Maika Matelau and Brandon Hansen battled Duke’s interior rotation.
The performance was not flawless. Illinois was held to 111 rushing yards and committed offensive holding penalties that erased productive plays. Nevertheless, keeping the pocket clean for an entire game against Duke’s front was a significant accomplishment.
Renfro earns the Starts Up Front Illinois Offensive Lineman Spotlight, while the complete unit receives recognition for not allowing a sack.
BRYCE DAVIS SETS THE TONE FOR DUKE’S DEFENSIVE LINE
Defensive end Bryce Davis led Duke’s defensive linemen with five total tackles—four solo and one assisted. Davis used his length, pursuit and discipline to help prevent Illinois from establishing consistent control on the ground.
Defensive tackle David Anderson contributed two total tackles, including one solo stop. Julius Columbus recorded a solo tackle, while Dakota Quinonez, Kyree Smith and Preston Watson each contributed an assisted tackle.
Duke did not record a sack, but the defensive front influenced the outcome by limiting Illinois to 111 rushing yards and helping produce two fourth-down stops. The most important work occurred late, when the Blue Devils prevented Illinois from scoring during the fourth quarter.
Duke’s defensive-line production included:
- Bryce Davis: five total tackles
- David Anderson: two total tackles
- Julius Columbus: one solo tackle
- Dakota Quinonez: one assisted tackle
- Kyree Smith: one assisted tackle
- Preston Watson: one assisted tackle
Davis earns the Starts Up Front Duke Defensive Lineman of the Game recognition.
THE STARTS UP FRONT FINAL WORD
Duke’s 31–27 victory was built on offensive-line balance, efficient run blocking and late defensive resistance. Illinois’ offensive front protected well and produced enough offense to win, but Duke’s ability to generate 170 rushing yards, convert critical fourth downs and control the decisive possessions made the difference.
The official statistics do not include individual pancake blocks, pressures or pass-blocking win rates. Starts Up Front will not manufacture those numbers. Pancakes and additional technical grades should be assigned only after a complete film evaluation.
Starts Up Front Trench Honors
- Offensive Trench Unit of the Game: Duke offensive line
- Duke Offensive Line Anchor: Matt Craycraft
- Duke Defensive Lineman of the Game: Bryce Davis
- Illinois Offensive Line Spotlight: Jake Renfro
- Illinois Defensive Lineman of the Game: Will Holmes
Duke leaves Champaign with a 31–27 victory, but both programs provided multiple linemen worthy of continued evaluation by the Starts Up Front National & Global Recruiting Board.
Control the trenches. Control the game.
It All Starts Up Front.
