Citrus Bowl Football History: H2H, records, top matchups and more ahead of South Carolina vs Illinois 

The Citrus Bowl will have two surprising teams as the South Carolina Gamecocks face the Illinois Fighting Illini. The game will be played on New Year’s Eve in Orlando, Florida at 3:00 p.m. ET.

The game started in 1947 and was known as the Tangerine Bowl until 1982. It has been known as the Citrus since 1986, except from 2003 to 2014, when it was called the Capital One Bowl. However, the game has always been played in Orlando.

South Carolina (9-3) was in contention for a College Football Playoff berth at the end of the year, but back-to-back losses to Ole Miss and Alabama in early October were too much to overcome. They could become the fifth team in school history to win 10 games. Meanwhile, Illinois (9-3) finished with the same record, but a lower profile with lopsided losses to Oregon and Penn State.

South Carolina vs Illinois: Head-to-head record ahead of Citrus Bowl

The Fighting Illini will play the second Citrus Bowl in school history. - Source: Imagn

This will be the first matchup between South Carolina and Illinois. For the Gamecocks, it will be their fourth trip to the Orlando bowl game. They hold a 2-1 record. The Illini have played the game only once before, a victory over Virginia in 1990.

Notable Citrus Bowl records

The Citrus Bowl has been a New Year’s Day fixture since 1987. It has hosted some big games including Georgia Tech’s 1991 victory over Nebraska to clinch the National Title. Here are some notable records.

Despite the game’s long history, the only shutout since it’s been an FBS-level game happened last season when Tennessee beat Iowa 35-0. The largest margin of victory happened a year before, as LSU destroyed Purdue 63-7.

In that game between LSU and Purdue Quad Wilson established a game-record 99-yard interception return. In 2013 Aaron Murray threw for five touchdowns as Georgia defeated Nebraska 45-31.

What to watch for South Carolina in Citrus Bowl?

South Carolina starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers is already considered a Heisman candidate for 2025. He finished the regular season with 2,274 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran for 655 yards and seven scores.

The Gamecocks have two huge opt-outs as running back Rocket Sanders and edge Kyle Kennard will not be available. They will likely be replaced by Oscar Adaway III and Dylan Stewart.

What to watch for Illinois in Citrus Bowl?

Like the Gamecocks, Illinois will have their starting quarterback available. Luke Altmyer passed for 2,543, 21 scores, and five picks. He isn’t as flashy as Norris, but was efficient for most of the year. He will not have receiver Pat Bryant, who is the only opt-out for Illinois.

The Illini defense has to perform better, especially on third down after they ranked 107th in the nation in defensive third down conversion rate.