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' defense helped seal the win by stopping South Carolina with a little more than three minutes remaining.

South Carolina and Illinois will face off in the 2024 Citrus Bowl game on New Year’s Eve. Here’s the latest prediction for the matchup from an expert football model that projects scores and picks winners.

Both No. 14 South Carolina and No. 21 Illinois are on the verge of rare feats for their program as they prepare to meet at the Citrus Bowl to cap their season.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. South Carolina Gamecocks football live updates, video highlights and score in the 2024 Citrus Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

It is the next morning, and the Illinois football win over South Carolina on Tuesday still feels sweet. This is a great way to head into the offseason. The Illi

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