No team closed out the season hotter than the South Carolina Gamecocks. Riding a six-game winning streak, they took down three ranked opponents and came heartbreakingly close to a College Football Playoff berth.
Their reward? A showdown with the Illinois Fighting Illini in the biggest non-CFP bowl game of the season. Can the Gamecocks hit the 10-win mark for the first time since 2013, or will the Fighting Illini spoil the party in the Citrus Bowl? Check out our South Carolina vs. Illinois prediction to find out.
South Carolina vs. Illinois Citrus Bowl Betting Preview
All South Carolina vs. Illinois odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
South Carolina -6.5 - Spread
South Carolina -9 - Moneyline
South Carolina -340, Illinois +270 - Over/Under
50 points - Game Time
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 3 p.m. ET - Location
Camping World Stadium | Orlando, FL - How To Watch
ABC
Both of these teams are relatively unaffected by the transfer portal, but each has a high-profile opt-out. Star Illinois receiver Pat Bryant opted out of the Citrus Bowl, while Bronco Nagurski Award-winner Kyle Kennard is skipping the game for the Gamecocks.
This line was one of the widest of the entire bowl season. It seems that bettors like the underdog, and it quickly moved 10.5 to a 9.5-point spread in favor of the Gamecocks. The total has remained close to its initial posting, though I’ve seen it listed at 47.5 points at a few sportsbooks.
South Carolina’s Winning Probability
CFN’s FPM is slightly lower on the Gamecocks than Vegas, making South Carolina a 6.5-point favorite and giving them a two-thirds winning probability.
- vs. Illinois: 67.6%
Illinois’ Winning Probability
Illinois is a moderate in this one, according to the FPM. The Fighting Illini have one-third of a chance to reach 10 wins with a victory.
- vs. South Carolina: 32.3%
Prediction for South Carolina vs. Illinois
The stakes are high in the Citrus Bowl, with both teams chasing a coveted 10-win season—South Carolina for the first time since 2013, and Illinois for the first time since 2001.
Both programs have thrived in roster retention during this portal season, a testament to the players’ buy-in. That means we don’t need to lean on the usual “who wants it more?” bowl game narrative.
Instead, this game boils down to one thing: which team is better on New Year’s Eve.
As a South Carolina alum, I’m cautiously optimistic. LaNorris Sellers is playing as well as any quarterback in the country right now, and South Carolina’s defense remains as relentless as ever. Raheim Sanders’ potential opt-out, given his injury history, is worth monitoring, but the Gamecocks’ coaching staff is confident in their depth at running back.
One underrated storyline? Wide receiver Jared Brown should be fully healthy for the first time in months, and his presence could be a game-changer.
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South Carolina will need its edge rushers to step up in Kennard’s absence. There’s plenty of talent and depth, but matching up against Illinois’ formidable offensive line will be a fascinating chess match.
For Illinois, losing Isaiah Bryant looms even larger. With nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 10 of the Illini’s 21 receiving touchdowns, Bryant has been their go-to playmaker. His absence raises questions about how their offense might adapt. Will they shift to a heavier run game without their star receiver? And how will South Carolina’s defense adjust without a clear target to focus on?
If South Carolina can establish its ground game, particularly with its running backs, the offense should be able to control the ball, the clock, and ultimately the game. That said, Sellers is fully capable of taking over and pulling out a win on his own with another Superman performance.
Both coaching staffs are known for pulling out creative plays, particularly on special teams, so don’t be surprised to see some fireworks there.
In the end, I like the Gamecocks to edge out an entertaining win. But I do think Illinois can keep it close enough to cover. Take the over—both teams should come out swinging in pursuit of that elusive 10th victory.
Prediction: South Carolina 31, Illinois 24
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