South Carolina vs Illinois Citrus Bowl Prediction | College Football Best Bets
John Canady
Host · Writer
The South Carolina Gamecocks and the Illinois Fighting Illini are set to face off in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. South Carolina enters this matchup riding a six-game winning streak that made many people feel the Gamecocks were snubbed from the College Football Playoff despite having a 9-3 record. Meanwhile, Illinois has a 9-3 record amid a three-game winning streak to end the season. As both teams look to make a statement with a chance to earn their 10th win of the year, expect a dogfight between two talented squads.
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South Carolina vs Illinois
- Location: Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida) | Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
- Time: Tuesday, December 31, 3:00 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: ABC
- Spread: South Carolina -10.5, Moneyline: South Carolina -385, Total: 49.5
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Opt-Outs
South Carolina Gamecocks:
Kyle Kennard, EDGE (NFL Draft); Raheim Sanders, RB (NFL Draft); Connor Cox, TE (transfer portal); CJ Adams, WR (transfer portal); Tyshawn Russell, WR (transfer portal); Reid Mikeska, TE (transfer portal); Mohamed Kaba, LB (transfer portal), Ni Mansell, IOL (transfer portal); Jamaal Whyce, DL (transfer portal)
Illinois Fighting Illini:
Pat Bryant, WR (Opt-Out); Kevin Wigenton II, IOL (transfer portal); Enyce Sledge, DL (transfer portal); Nate Guinn, TE (transfer portal)
South Carolina vs Illinois Best Bet: South Carolina -10.5
The South Carolina Gamecocks felt like they were snubbed from a chance to compete for a National Championship after being left out of the Top 12 in the College Football Playoff rankings. As a result, most of the team’s key players opted to suit up for the final game, stating they had unfinished business and were looking forward to making a statement. Shane Beamer’s squad seems poised to carry the momentum from the end of the season into this one and leave their mark on the field to prove they’re on the rise heading into 2025.
South Carolina vs Illinois Best Total Bet: Over 49.5
South Carolina enters this matchup averaging 31.6 points per game, while Illinois trails just behind, averaging 28.9. The Gamecocks will be hard to scheme against as the team makes the change to new offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who will be calling plays for the team in the bowl game. Meanwhile, Illinois will have most of their starting offense on the field as they look to cap off its season with an upset win as the underdogs. Regardless, between two teams with their eye on winning No. 10, this game could turn into a high-scoring spout as both squads get creative with their playcalling. A final score of 34-23 could be a realistic outcome.
South Carolina Best Player Bet: LaNorris Sellers Any Time Touchdown +100
The last time LaNorris Sellers put on the pads, he single-handedly led the Gamecocks into enemy territory to take down the Clemson Tigers in Death Valley. The dual-threat quarterback finished the game with two rushing touchdowns, and his mobility in the pocket has become a vital part of the team’s success on offense. Whether it’s due to the pocket collapsing or a designed run play for the freshman sensation, there’s a good chance that Sellers finds his way into the endzone at least once before the game ends. Not to mention, Sellers has seven rushing touchdowns heading into this one.
Illinois Best Player Bet: Luke Altmyer 225+ Passing Yards +178
Luke Altmyer has been steady and reliable for Illinois under center. The quarterback has passed for 2,543 yards and 21 touchdowns, including 225+ passing yards in three of the team’s last four games. Assuming that the Fighting Illini will be playing from behind in this one, Altmyer should be poised to surpass that mark again as the team looks to go down swinging.
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