South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 12/31/24 – The Citrus Bowl will be highlighting the battle between the South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) against the Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3). Both teams have the same record but are anticipating the game at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida in different styles. South Carolina comes in as the strong favorite as they have won their last six but Illinois is looking to finish their campaign with a major upset. You can catch the action on the ABC network on the 31st of December 2024, at 3:00 PM ET.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 12/31/24
| When: | Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | VENUE |
| TV: | TV |
| Stream: | NFL+/ SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamecocks | -10 (-115) | 49.5 Over (-110) | -400 |  |
| Fighting Illini | +10 (-105) | 49.5 Under (-110) | +300 | |
| ||||
https://twitter.com/CitrusBowl/status/1874078438203809994
South Carolina’s -10 spread and -400 moneyline solidify their status as the favorite. Illinois’ +300 odds offer enticing value for underdog backers, especially considering their resilience this season. The 49.5-point total suggests a game where defense and calculated offensive plays will dictate the outcome. Bettors might find value in the UNDER, as both teams bring stout defensive efforts.
LaNorris Sellers QB vs. Luke Altmyer QB
LaNorris Sellers has become a reliable player for the Gamecocks after completing a total of 2,274 yards and 17 touchdowns. Yards per attempt of 8.6 suggest that he has potential for bigger plays but his 31 sacks expose prospects of him struggling under pressure. It may well be that the Schoonmaker-Sellers combination stunned Illinois and it’s Richards who runs the game.
From Illinois, Luke Altmyer is able to offer more passing yards (2543) and touchdowns (21) but has also been sacked for 31 times which is a similar problem. Altmyer is definitely a threat since he has averaged a 64 Yard Pass and longer passes when he is properly protected. But definitely, five interceptions would mean a South Carolina defense is able to exploit any weaknesses.
South Carolina’s Momentum and Balanced Attack
The Gamecocks are in good form, having beaten both Clemson and Texas A&M in their last five matches. Raheim Sanders spearheads the rushing attack with 881 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, while Mazeo Bennett Jr. helps out in the receiving department. The defense of South Carolina has also been vital, allowing only 19 points in total to Vanderbilt and Wofford in their last matches.
Illinois’ Upset Potential Hinges on Key Playmakers
Illinois has come back strongly after going through a poor patch in the middle of the season, winning their last three matches. In the run game, Aidan Laughery has been explosive, averaging 6.4 yards per touch, while Pat Bryant finished with 984 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches as a deep threat. Nevertheless, the Fighting Illini have had an issue handling good offensive teams and this could turn out to be a weakness for them against South Carolina’s well-rounded offense.
Trends
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Trends
South Carolina is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Carolina’s last 7 games.
South Carolina is 6-0 SU in their last 6 games.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
Illinois are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Illinois’ last 5 games as underdogs.
Illinois are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 December games.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Prediction
Considering the streak they’ve been on, their last few contests, and their offensive assault – South Carolina should be the safest of the picks. It’s expected that there will be plenty of such chances and all of them ought to end in a Gamecocks victory against the Illinois Cubs. But, with clients such as Altmyer and Bryant on the other side of the ball, Illinois has a sliver of hope for putting their shot at the spread when executed nicely.
We have South Carolina at -10, which is promising for the bettors, whereas the Fighting Illini being at +10 does make sense with the fact that they can keep things more under control. That sort of goes with the Tight Corners for 49.5, since both teams like to set their defense hard, particularly in situations like bowls.
Score Prediction: South Carolina Gamecocks 31, Illinois Fighting Illini 20.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: December 31, 2024
Last updated: March 26, 2025