No. 20 Illinois Beats No. 15 South Carolina in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Fisher Brewer | Dec 31, 2024

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Joe Barna (43) in the first quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images / Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

The Gamecocks lost a tough battle, falling 21-17 to Illinois in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. South Carolina finishes the season with a 9-4 record, leaving plenty for the team to reflect on this offseason as they prepare for the 2025 season.

Team Stats:

• Total Yards: South Carolina – 390 | Illinois – 375
• Rushing Yards: South Carolina – 130 | Illinois – 183
• Penalties: South Carolina – 6 for 55 yards | Illinois – 2 for 15 yards

Top Performers:

• QB LaNorris Sellers: 24-for-34, 260 passing yards, 1 touchdown; 19 rushing yards
• RB Oscar Adaway III: 14 carries, 69 yards, 4.9 yards per carry, 1 touchdown
• WR Nyck Harbor: 4 receptions, 61 yards
• TE Joshua Simon: 6 receptions, 69 yards, 1 touchdown
• LB Demetrius Knight Jr.: 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 5 assists

Despite the tough loss, the Gamecocks showed plenty of promise and will look to use this defeat as motivation for the upcoming year.

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