South Carolina (9-3-0) at Illinois (9-3-0)
- When: Dec 31 2024, 3:00 PM
- Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
- Where to watch: ABC
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
South Carolina (#15) @ Illinois (#20)
Moneyline
South Carolina (#15) -340
Illinois (#20) +270
South Carolina (#15) @ Illinois (#20)
Point Spread
South Carolina (#15) -9.0 (-110)
Illinois (#20) 9.0 (-110)
South Carolina (#15) @ Illinois (#20)
Total
Over 49.5 (-110)
Under 49.5 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Passing Team Leaders:
South Carolina: LaNorris Sellers 2274 Yds
Illinois: Luke Altmyer 2543 Yds
Team Stats
| South Carolina | Illinois | |
| 9-3 | Record | 9-3 |
| 4-1 | Away | 3-2 |
| 9-3-0 | ATS | 8-3-1 |
| 7-5-0 | O/U | 5-7-0 |
Game Preview
The South Carolina Gamecocks and Illinois Fighting Illini face off in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, with both teams aiming for their 10th win of the season. South Carolina enters as a 9-point favorite, and the total is set at 49.5. Despite key opt-outs on both sides, this game presents intriguing opportunities for bettors.
South Carolina: Momentum Meets Opportunity
The No. 15 Gamecocks (9-3) are riding high on a six-game winning streak, including three victories against Top 25 opponents. A win in the Citrus Bowl would secure South Carolina’s first 10-win season since 2013, a goal that coach Shane Beamer and his squad are eager to achieve.
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers, a dynamic dual-threat redshirt freshman, will lead the Gamecocks’ offense. Sellers has totaled 2,274 passing yards and 17 touchdowns through the air, adding 655 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. With offensive coordinator Mike Shula now calling the plays, expect Sellers to take on a larger role, especially with leading rusher Raheim Sanders (881 yards, 11 TDs) opting out for the NFL Draft.
South Carolina’s defense has been the backbone of the team, allowing just 17.8 points per game. Despite the absence of star pass rusher Kyle Kennard, who led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, the Gamecocks still boast first-team All-American safety Nick Emmanwori. He leads the team with 83 tackles and has returned two interceptions for touchdowns this season.
Betting Angle: South Carolina is 4-2 ATS in its last six games and should be able to leverage its defensive edge to control the game.
Illinois: Building for the Future
The No. 20 Illini (9-3) are also chasing their first 10-win season since 2001, adding extra motivation to this matchup. Coach Bret Bielema’s young squad features junior quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has been a steady presence, completing 60.9% of his passes for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
However, Illinois will be without star receiver Pat Bryant (984 yards, 10 TDs), leaving Zakhari Franklin (51 catches, 613 yards, 3 TDs) as Altmyer’s primary target. The rushing attack will rely on a committee approach with Aidan Laughery (522 yards, 4 TDs) and Josh McCray (495 yards, 8 TDs).
Defensively, Illinois has struggled in key moments, allowing 59 points across their final two wins and 35 first-half points against Oregon in late October. This inconsistency could make it difficult to contain South Carolina’s multi-dimensional offense.
Betting Angle: Illinois is 2-4 ATS in its last six games and has struggled against stronger opponents, making it hard to trust them to cover in this spot.
Key Matchups:
LaNorris Sellers vs. Illinois Defense:
With Sanders out, Sellers will need to carry more of the offensive load. His dual-threat capabilities could exploit an Illinois defense that has been prone to big plays.
South Carolina Defense vs. Altmyer:
Without Bryant, Altmyer’s options are limited. The Gamecocks’ secondary, led by Emmanwori, could capitalize on this mismatch and force turnovers.
Motivation and Momentum:
South Carolina’s winning streak and defensive prowess make them the more confident team heading into this game.
Betting Predictions:
– Spread: South Carolina -9
The Gamecocks’ defense and offensive balance give them the edge to cover the spread comfortably.
– Total: Over 49.5
Both teams have enough firepower to push the game over the total, especially with Illinois’ defensive vulnerabilities late in the season.
– Player Prop: LaNorris Sellers Over 250.5 Total Yards
Sellers’ ability to make plays with both his arm and legs should lead to a productive performance.
Final Thoughts:
South Carolina has the momentum, the motivation, and the talent advantage to secure a double-digit victory in the Citrus Bowl. Illinois’ depleted receiving corps and inconsistent defense make it hard for them to keep up. Bettors should back the Gamecocks to cover and consider the over for total points as both offenses look to end the season on a high note.
Citrus Bowl Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: South Carolina 32-20
Expert Pick: South Carolina -9 & Over 49½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364
- Citrus Bowl Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
