South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3)
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini December 31 2024 – South Carolina Gamecocks and the Illinois Fighting Illini are two teams with the same record of 9 wins and 3 losses all set to face each other at the Citrus Bowl. This is certainly an enthralling encounter as both of these clubs have been brilliant at different points of the season, though their journeys to the Citrus Bowl are worlds apart. The Gamecocks are rolling having won all their last six games, while the Fighting Illini have recovered extremely well at the backend of the season after facing a slump at the start. Both teams seem evenly matched in terms of skill, so it is sure to be an interesting match.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini December 31 2024 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Camping World Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| South Carolina | -400 | -10 (-115) | 49.5 Over -110 |
| Illinois | +300 | +10 (-105) | 49.5 Under -110 |
South Carolina is favored by 10 points, reflecting their recent dominance. Illinois, with a moneyline of +300, presents a compelling underdog narrative for bettors seeking value. The total of 49.5 suggests a balanced scoring affair, though Illinois’ recent trend of hitting the under could sway cautious wagers.
LaNorris Sellers QB vs. Luke Altmyer QB
LaNorris Sellers has been consistent for South Carolina, as he posted 2274 yards with 17 touchdown passes. Not only does he possess a 64.9% completion rate, but he is also capable of making plays, making him a strong candidate for an offensive captain. However, 31 times this season he has been taken down which indicates a weakness point. Connections like these, Shooting thumb passes to Mazeo Bennett Jr., should help in cracking Illinois’ defense.
An impressive season has been achieved by Illinois’ Luke Altmyer as well with 2,543 yards through air and 21 touchdown passes. His efficiency rated also shows in the common average of 7.8 yards per attempt, which is sufficient enough to add tempo onto the Illini offense. He also claims to have been sacked as many times as Sellers but with more interceptions averaging 5 out of five he seems more mature which does foster chances for competitiveness for Illinois.
South Carolina’s Momentum
The Gamecocks have been fantastic over their last six games, having won all of them, including narrowly beating Clemson 17-14. Their ground game is led by Raheim Sanders who has so far gained 881 rushing yards and 11 rushing TDs, consistent contributions coming from Mazeo Bennett Jr. as a receiver. The key for South Carolina clinching this bowl game is their effectiveness in close encounters as well as being brutal against the weak opposing teams.
Illinois’ Late-Season Resurgence
The Northwestern match Illinois set off on a rough note but has soared clearly showing their form winning three games in a row demonstrating their ability to win including their latest match with Northwestern beating them 38-28. Their offense is powered by running back Aidan Laughery averaging 6.4 yards per carry and receiver Pat Bryant who has notched ten touchdowns. On the other hand, Illinois needs to plug their holes defensively in order to stop the South Carolina well-rounded offense.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Trends
South Carolina is riding high, covering the spread in six of their last seven games and going 6-0 SU in their last six. Their offensive explosiveness has led to the total going over in five of their last seven games. However, their 1-4 ATS record in December raises some concerns for bettors.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
Illinois has been solid ATS this season, covering in eight of their last 12 games. However, their December struggles (0-5 ATS) and tendency to hit the under as underdogs may discourage some bettors. Their recent wins suggest they could outperform expectations if they find consistency.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Previews
So far as the performance and the recent form is concerned these two teams appear balanced which makes betting on South Carolina the better choice. It would be hard too see a game in which sellers and Sanderson combination does not exploit the illini’s inconsistent defense. In my opinion, betting an upset on the illini’s underdog value is an interesting proposition but they have to play a perfect game all through in order to compete against the gamecocks. One might think of better betting options with the GameCocks like on them to cover the spread and the over at 49.5.
Other prop bets that could also be worth looking at are Stevens Raheim Sanders to score a touchdown and or Luke Altmyer to go over passing average. The trend and the South Caroline together will make it quite difficult for Tevin Williams to gouge the citrus bowl for the over on favoring team.
Score Prediction: South Carolina Gamecocks 34, Illinois Fighting Illini 20.
