New Year’s Eve in Orlando promises a compelling gridiron clash as the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Illinois Fighting Illini square off in the Citrus Bowl. Airing on ABC, this matchup pits two teams riding winning streaks against each other in a battle for bragging rights and a strong finish to the 2024 season.
South Carolina enters the Citrus Bowl with momentum, having recently triumphed over Clemson to extend their win streak to six games. This victory adds another layer of confidence to a team already playing at a high level. Their recent success positions them as a formidable opponent in Orlando.
Illinois also arrives at the Citrus Bowl with a winning streak of their own, having secured three consecutive victories. Their recent surge suggests a team finding its stride at the right time, adding an extra degree of unpredictability to the matchup.
Both programs have a history with the Citrus Bowl. South Carolina boasts a 2-1 record in the game, while Illinois last claimed victory in the 1990 edition. This shared history adds an extra element of familiarity and competitive spirit to the contest.
The Citrus Bowl holds a unique position in the college football bowl landscape, offering one of the highest payouts among non-College Football Playoff bowls. The game frequently attracts top-ranked teams, adding to its prestige and appeal. The game kicks off Tuesday, December 31st at 3:00 PM EST on ABC.
