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The 2024 Citrus Bowl promises an exciting clash between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
South Carolina enters the game with a strong 9-3 record, with a six-game winning streak, including victories over SEC opponents and a 17-14 triumph over CFP participant Clemson.
Meanwhile, Illinois holds a 9-3 record, capping its regular season with a 38-28 win against Northwestern, its third straight victory.
The high-powered game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 31, 2024, at 3 p.m. ET. This matchup will take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and will be broadcast live on ABC.
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Who is Illinois’ starting QB for the Citrus Bowl?
Illinois will rely on junior quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has had an impressive season. After starting his college career at Ole Miss, Altmyer transferred to Illinois in 2023 and has since emerged as a leader for the Fighting Illini.
This season, Altmyer completed 60.9% of his passes for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Altmyer has also contributed by rushing for 219 yards and scoring four touchdowns on the ground.
Under his guidance, Illinois' passing attack ranks 35th in EPA/Play and 12th nationally with a low interception rate of just 1.5%.
Who is South Carolina’s starting QB for the Citrus Bowl?
South Carolina’s offense will be led by LaNorris Sellers, a second-year quarterback turning heads with his recent performances.
Sellers, a former four-star recruit, completed 64% of his passes during the regular season, amassing 2,274 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Sellers has also been a dual-threat weapon, rushing for 655 yards and seven touchdowns.
He showed remarkable improvement late in the season, recording a 12-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his last five SEC games. He has also completed 74% of his passes against Alabama’s strong secondary.
LaNorris Sellers spoke on balancing the bowl experience with preparing for Gameday:
“I was talking to my roommate about it yesterday. I was just like, ‘It’s weird.’ It’s kinda laid back but we’re preparing for a game at the same time.”
Illinois vs. South Carolina: Head-to-Head history
This game marks the first-ever meeting between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Illinois has played in the Citrus Bowl once before, defeating Virginia in 1990.
On the other hand, South Carolina is making its fourth appearance in this bowl, with a 2-1 record in previous trips.
While the two teams have no history against each other, Illinois coach Bret Bielema has faced the Gamecocks twice during his tenure at Arkansas. South Carolina won both encounters.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, December 31, 2024
Time: 3 pm ET
Venue: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
TV Channel: ABC
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