The Illini rallied three times before overcoming the Gamecocks in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl thanks to two touchdowns by Josh McCray.

It’s gameday in the Sunshine State, and there’s a lot on the line for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. South Carolina (9-3) is trying to win its 10th football game in a season for the fifth time ever.

Considering the Big Ten finish expected of Illinois in the preseason (No. 14 out of 18 teams), a 10-win season culminating in a Citrus Bowl win would seem to make a final-game report card sort of superfluous.

Josh McCray scored his second touchdown of the game on a 9-yard run midway through the fourth quarter to give No. 21 Illinois the lead, and the Illini held on to beat No. 14 South Carolina 21-17 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Illinois had a historic 2024 college football season, winning 10 games including the Citrus Bowl. Every story about coach Bret Bielema and the Illini.

Fans got into the mood before Illinois met South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.

And we’re just days away from the Citrus Bowl. No. 20 Illinois is taking on No. 15 South Carolina.Kickoff isn’t until December 31st, but the Illini are already

Gov. JB Pritzker and Rep. Nikki Budzinski celebrate Illinois Fighting Illini's Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina.

Citrus Bowl came complete with a dramatic finish, sideline scuffles and even an altercation between the two head coaches.