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  1. Home
  2. NCAAF Picks
  3. South Carolina Gamecocks vs Illinois Fighting Illini
Tue 3:00 PM ET
South Carolina Gamecocks logo
South Carolina
Gamecocks17
8-3
versus
Illinois Fighting Illini logo
Illinois
Fighting Illini21
8-3
Final
Team1234T
South Carolina Gamecocks307717
Illinois Fighting Illini707721

South Carolina Gamecocks Favored to Win Against Illinois Fighting Illini in Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Game time: December 31, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET

Venue: Camping World Stadium — Orlando, FL

Article updated Dec 30, 6:14 AM EST

Published by SportsJaw Editorial Team

The Illinois Illini will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Both teams have had successful seasons, with a

Game outlook

The Illinois Illini will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Both teams have had successful seasons, with a hint of disappointment for the Gamecocks for missing the playoffs. With both teams boasting a 9-3 record, Illinois has momentum from winning their final three games, while South Carolina has a six-game winning streak. This will be the first meeting between the two teams, making it an exciting debut matchup. Currently, South Carolina is the betting favorite at -10.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Gamecocks -398 | Fighting Illini +310

Spread: Gamecocks -10 (-110) | Fighting Illini +10 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 49.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that South Carolina will win straight-up is 80%.

South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina has had a successful season, closing out with six straight wins and narrowly missing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Despite some injuries on offense, the team remains focused on their upcoming bowl game against Illinois. South Carolina's offense has shown improvement this season, ranking 34th nationally in rushing, while their defense ranks in the top 20 across most categories. With the talent and size to overpower Illinois, South Carolina looks to control the game through their running game and strong defense. Freshman quarterback Lannoris Sellers has been impressive and will play a key role in the team's success. Overall, South Carolina has a power ranking of 12 and boasts a solid offense and defense, with a record of 8-3 this season.

NCAAF · South Carolina Gamecocks at Illinois Fighting Illini

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Illinois Fighting Illini Analysis

Illinois' football season started strong but was overlooked by many fans after a mid-season lull. Despite their 9-3 record, there are concerns about their ability to blow out opponents and their overall talent level. With several key players out due to injuries, Illinois may struggle to score against a top-tier opponent. Their offense ranks 63rd nationally, and their defense ranks 38th. Facing a top-15 offense with a limited running game and lack of explosive threats could pose a challenge for Illinois. The upcoming bowl game against South Carolina will be a test for the team and could have a significant impact on the program.

South Carolina Gamecocks Poised for Decisive Victory in Season Finale Against Illinois

South Carolina is poised to secure a decisive victory in this upcoming match. Despite not making the College Football Playoff, the Gamecocks are motivated by the return of key players and high expectations for the next season. They possess a formidable defense and a dynamic running game led by talented quarterback and running back duo, allowing them to control the game and dominate in the trenches. On the other hand, Illinois' 9-3 record is overshadowed by subpar metrics on both offense and defense, making them vulnerable against the strength and speed of an SEC team. Anticipate South Carolina to exhibit energy and determination as they secure a significant win to conclude the 2024 season.

SportsJawGame Predictions
Predicted score

Unavailable for this preview

Projected winnerUnavailableConfidencelow
Pick on the Spread

Published pick: Unavailable

Pick on the Total

Published pick: Unavailable

#SouthCarolinaGamecocks#IllinoisFightingIllini

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Written by

SportsJaw Editorial Team

SportsJaw published this archived preview from its original game-day article. Its prediction and quoted lines are preserved as written.

About our editorial process

SportsJaw Gamecocks vs Fighting Illini archived game preview contains historical odds and availability that may no longer be current. View history of past Gamecocks vs Fighting Illini matchups or learn how our predictions work.

Current matchup data

Lines, trends and availability

Line movement since open

  • Moneyline · South Carolina Gamecocks-355 → -353Moved
  • Moneyline · Illinois Fighting Illini+280 → +280Unchanged
  • Spread · South Carolina Gamecocks-9.5 (-110) → -9.25 (-110)Moved
  • Spread · Illinois Fighting Illini+9.5 (-110) → +9.25 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Over47.5 (-110) → 50.5 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Under47.5 (-110) → 50.5 (-110)Moved

ATS and O/U trends

South Carolina Gamecocks
8-3 matchup record · 8-2-0 ATS · 6-4-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file
Illinois Fighting Illini
8-3 matchup record · 6-4-0 ATS · 5-5-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file

Injuries and availability

From the published research (2024-12-30T11:14:43.639Z). Availability may have changed; review the cited sources.

South Carolina has had a successful season, closing out with six straight wins and narrowly missing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Despite some injuries on offense, the team remains focused on their upcoming bowl game against Illinois. South Carolina's offense has shown improvement this season, ranking 34th nationally in rushing, while their defense ranks in the top 20 across most categories. With the talent and size to overpower Illinois, South Carolina looks to control the game through their running game and strong defense. Freshman quarterback Lannoris Sellers has been impressive and will play a key role in the team's success. Overall, South Carolina has a power ranking of 12 and boasts a solid offense and defense, with a record of 8-3 this season.

Illinois' football season started strong but was overlooked by many fans after a mid-season lull. Despite their 9-3 record, there are concerns about their ability to blow out opponents and their overall talent level. With several key players out due to injuries, Illinois may struggle to score against a top-tier opponent. Their offense ranks 63rd nationally, and their defense ranks 38th. Facing a top-15 offense with a limited running game and lack of explosive threats could pose a challenge for Illinois. The upcoming bowl game against South Carolina will be a test for the team and could have a significant impact on the program.

Recent head-to-head

No completed head-to-head result is available in the current history window.

Final result

Matchup pick recap

Illinois Fighting Illini defeated South Carolina Gamecocks 21-17

Illinois Fighting Illini defeated South Carolina Gamecocks 21-17 on December 31, 2024, a 4-point decision in the series. Illinois Fighting Illini's strongest period was the 1st quarter, when it outscored its opponent 7-3. Against SportsJaw's recorded South Carolina Gamecocks -9.25 (-110) spread, Illinois Fighting Illini covered, while the 38 combined points finished under the recorded total of 50.5.

SportsJaw editorial picks

  • Projected winnerNo published selectionUnavailable

Tipster picks

  • BjenkinsTotal · Under 47.5 (-110)Win
  • ThehitmanSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +9.5 (-110)Win
  • DerekFisherTotal · Under 47.5 (-110)Win
  • JoeThomasSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +9.5 (-110)Win
  • 1735203231Spread · Illinois Fighting Illini +9.5 (-110)Win
  • JamescashiolaSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +9.5 (-110)Win
  • EmcSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +10.25 (-110)Win
  • Sarah_MillerSpread · South Carolina Gamecocks -10 (-110)Loss
  • MauriceJonesSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +10 (-110)Win
  • WarbuczSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +10 (-110)Win
  • HitmanhartTotal · Over 49.5 (-110)
Loss
  • RcollinsTotal · Under 49.5 (-110)Win
  • Barry713Spread · Illinois Fighting Illini -10 (-110)Win
  • 1707662905Spread · Illinois Fighting Illini +10 (-110)Win
  • IrishblueSpread · South Carolina Gamecocks -10 (-110)Loss
  • ThetotalerSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +10 (-110)Win
  • 72dolphinsSpread · South Carolina Gamecocks -10 (-110)Loss
  • Bookcrushers1Moneyline · South Carolina Gamecocks -382Loss
  • HitmanhartSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +10 (-110)Win
  • DoclocksSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +10 (-110)Win
  • Sammy52Spread · South Carolina Gamecocks -9.75 (-110)Loss
  • Roderick806Total · Under 49.5 (-110)Win
  • BillywatersSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +8.75 (-110)Win
  • RainmanTotal · Under 49.5 (-110)Win
  • Altuve27Spread · South Carolina Gamecocks -8.75 (-110)Loss
  • Drew_WestcottSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini -9.25 (-110)Win
  • CoolioSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +8.5 (-110)Win
  • CoolioTotal · Over 49.5 (-110)Loss
  • OddssharkSpread · Illinois Fighting Illini +8.5 (-110)Win
  • OddssharkTotal · Over 49.5 (-110)Loss