The 2024 Citrus Bowl features the 9-3 South Carolina Gamecocks against the 9-3 Illinois Fighting Illini. Here is the 2024 Citrus Bowl Preview.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina won nine games to qualify for a bowl game this season. They defeated five bowl-eligible teams: Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Missouri and Clemson. All three of their losses were to bowl-eligible teams.
The Gamecocks score 31.6 points per game, ranking 42nd in the country. They pass for 220.3 yards (ranked 75th) and rush for 188.9 yards per game (ranked 32nd).
LaNorris Sellers has improved throughout the year at quarterback for the Gamecocks. He has passed for 2,274 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 64.9 percent completion. Seven players had at least 200 receiving yards on the season. Tight end Joshua Sirmon leads the team with 34 catches for 450 yards and six touchdowns.
One running back did most of the work on the ground. Raheim Sanders had 881 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Oscar Adaway was the second-leading running back with 227 yards and two touchdowns. Sellers has helped out this season with 655 rushing yards.
Defensively, the Gamecocks have allowed 17.8 points per game, ranking 13th in the country. They give up 220.3 passing yards and 188.9 rushing yards per game. Nick Emmanwori leads the team in tackles from the secondary with 83. Leading sacker Kyle Kennard (11.5) is opting out of this game, so freshman Dylan Stewart (6) will lead the charge. Judge Collier has made plays on the ball in the secondary with eight passes defended.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois won nine games to make a bowl game. They defeated three bowl-eligible teams: Nebraska, Michigan and Rutgers. All three of their losses were to bowl-eligible teams.
The Fighting Illini score 28.9 points per game, ranking 63rd in the country. They pass for 214.3 yards (ranked 82nd) and rush for 151.2 yards per game (ranked 79th).
Luke Altmeyer has been at quarterback for the Illini this season. He has passed for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions on 60.9 percent completion. Four players have at least 200 receiving yards on the season. Top receiver Pat Bryant opted out of the game, so Zakhari Franklin will be the leading receiver with 613 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Five players have at least 200 rushing yards on the season for Illinois. Aiden Laughery and Josh McCray carry most of the load with 522 and 495 rushing yards respectively.
Defensively, the Illini allow 22.1 points per game, ranking 39th in the country. They give up 214.3 passing yards and 151.2 rushing yards per game. Matthew Bailey leads the team with 80 total tackles. Gabe Jacas paces the team with eight sacks. Xavier Scott has made plays in the secondary with eight passes defended and four interceptions.
Prediction
South Carolina was one of the hottest teams at the end of the season. With only Kyle Kennard opting out so far, the Gamecocks have enough firepower on offense to put up points. Their defense is stout enough to limit Illinois, who won’t have their best offensive weapon in this one.
South Carolina Gamecocks 35 Illinois Fighting Illini 21
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