South Carolina and Illinois fight for 10 wins in Citrus Bowl showdown

In Orlando, Florida, on January 1, 2025, the Citrus Bowl featured a matchup between No. 21 Illinois and No. 14 South Carolina. Both teams were looking to finish their seasons with 10 wins, a significant achievement in college football. Illinois' standout player, Josh McCray, scored two touchdowns in the game, with his second coming on a pivotal 9-yard run in the fourth quarter. This crucial play gave Illinois a lead they would not relinquish. South Carolina, despite trailing, put up a strong fight and exchanged the lead five times throughout the game, illustrating the competitive nature of both teams. Illinois' defense played a critical role, making a crucial stop against South Carolina's offense with only minutes left. After a fourth-and-four play that saw South Carolina's quarterback, JaNorris Sellers, throw a pass behind his receiver, Illinois regained possession and managed to run out the clock. The game capped Illinois' first 10-win season since 2001, solidifying their achievement amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the Citrus Bowl. In contrast, South Carolina fell short despite an impressive season that included a six-game winning streak to finish their regular games. Josh McCray's impressive performance included rushing for 114 yards and contributing a 60-yard run that effectively sealed the victory for Illinois. The Illini also benefited from quarterback Luke Altmeyer's strong showing, who threw for 174 yards. The Gamecocks, on the other hand, saw their promising season characterized by their freshman quarterback Sellers, who completed 24 of 34 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating his potential as a future leader for his team. The loss marked a disappointment for South Carolina, who aimed for their own milestone of achieving 10 wins for the fifth time in program history. Both teams shared the goal of making history and the experience of the Illini, combined with strategic gameplay led to their success. Coach Bret Bielema celebrated the victory, recognizing the significance of reaching 10 wins in college football, and both teams focus on building from their experiences as they prepare for the upcoming season. Looking ahead, Illinois is slated to compete against Western Illinois on August 30, while South Carolina prepares for their matchup against Virginia Tech in Atlanta on August 31.