Ranking the 10 best non-College Football Playoff bowl games
4. Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: South Carolina vs. Illinois
A matchup between South Carolina and Illinois wasn鈥檛 anticipated to be one of the top bowl games before the year, but both programs have had surprisingly strong seasons in 2024. The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on New Year鈥檚 Eve will also be the first-ever matchup between the two teams.
No. 15 South Carolina enters the contest as a sizable favorite thanks to a nice finish to the regular season where the Gamecocks won their final six contests, highlighted by victories over Texas A&M, Missouri and Clemson. The emergence of freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers was key down the stretch, while the Gamecocks鈥� 15th-ranked total defense will also give Illinois a true test. The Illini could achieve their first 10-win season since 2001 with a win, losing just three times all year, two of which came to Oregon and Ohio State. Leading wideout Pat Bryant鈥檚 opt out will have a big impact, but Luke Altmyer鈥檚 presence gives Illinois a chance.
