The Illini rallied three times before overcoming the Gamecocks in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl thanks to two touchdowns by Josh McCray.

The Citrus Bowl, played annually in Orlando since 1947, is the seventh-oldest bowl game in the country. It traditionally features top teams from the Big Ten and SEC, drawing fans from across the country.

The Illini save their best for last in a 21-17 win over the favored Gamecocks to secure their first 10-win season since 2001

It’s gameday in the Sunshine State, and there’s a lot on the line for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. South Carolina (9-3) is trying to win its 10th football game in a season for the fifth time ever.

Josh McCray scored his second touchdown of the game on a 9-yard run midway through the fourth quarter to give No. 21 Illinois the lead, and the Illini held on to beat No. 14 South Carolina 21-17 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Illinois' defense helped seal the win by stopping South Carolina with a little more than three minutes remaining.

Under the beaming sun in Orlando, Florida, the No. 20 Illini (10-3) competed in their final game of 2024 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Fans waved their rally towels, shouted chants for their teams, and looked on as they won their first bowl game since 2011,

Illinois’ football team has used a lot of helmet designs over the years, but they’ll make history on Tuesday afternoon when they take the field against South Carolina.

Illinois' first Citrus Bowl appearance since the turn of the century. The Illini's first 10-win season since 2001? But all of those yo