Gamecocks vs Fighting Illini Predictions, Odds and NCAAF Picks Tuesday 12-31-2024

In the Citrus Bowl, the South Carolina Gamecocks will play the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Gamecocks are solid favorites, expected to win by at least a touchdown (currently -8.5). The expected point total for the matchup is set at 49.5.

The Gamecocks came out on top 17-14 last time out when they met the Clemson Tigers. The Fighting Illini picked up a 38-16 win last time out against the Michigan State Spartans.

South Carolina vs. Illinois Game Info

• When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida
• TV: ABC
• Favorite: South Carolina -8.5
• Total: 49.5 points

Click here to place your bets on this college football matchup with BetUS!

South Carolina vs. Illinois Matchup Stats

South Carolina vs. Illinois Picks

Score Prediction

Prediction: South Carolina 31, Illinois 18

Spread Pick

Pick ATS: South Carolina -8.5 (model predicted spread is 13.2 points)

• So far this season, South Carolina has put together an 8-3-0 record against the spread.
• The Gamecocks have a 1-2 record against the spread in games they were favored by 8.5 points or more this season.
• Illinois has gone 8-3-0 ATS this season.
• When they have played as at least 8.5-point underdogs this year, the Fighting Illini are 2-1 against the spread.

Total Pick

Pick OU: Over 49.5 (model projecting 49.6 points)

• South Carolina and its opponent have broken the 49.5-point mark five times this year.
• Fighting Illini games have gone over 49.5 points on five occasions this year.
• South Carolina games this season have posted an average total of 45.8, which is 3.7 points fewer than the total for this matchup.
• Fighting Illini games average 48.3 total points, 1.2 fewer than the total for this matchup.

Team Leaders

South Carolina Team Leaders

• LaNorris Sellers: 2,274 PASS YDS / 189.5 YPG / 64.9% / 17 TD / 7 INT / 155 CAR / 655 RUSH YDS / 7 TD
• Raheim Sanders: 183 CAR / 881 YDS / 73.4 YPG / 11 TD / 27 REC / 316 YDS / 26.3 YPG / 2 TD
• Joshua Simon: 34 REC / 450 YDS / 40.9 YPG / 6 TD
• Mazeo Bennett: 28 REC / 324 YDS / 32.4 YPG / 3 TD
• Kyle Kennard: 26 TKL / 11 TFL / 11.5 SACK
• Nick Emmanwori: 76 TKL / 2 TFL / 4 INT / 4 PD
• Jalon Kilgore: 43 TKL / 3 TFL / 4 INT / 4 PD

Illinois Team Leaders

• Luke Altmyer: 2,543 PASS YDS / 211.9 YPG / 60.9% / 21 TD / 5 INT / 96 CAR / 219 RUSH YDS / 4 TD
• Aidan Laughery: 81 CAR / 522 YDS / 43.5 YPG / 4 TD / 7 REC / 30 YDS / 3 YPG / 0 TD
• Josh McCray: 104 CAR / 495 YDS / 41.3 YPG / 8 TD / 13 REC / 116 YDS / 12.9 YPG / 1 TD
• Pat Bryant: 54 REC / 984 YDS / 82 YPG / 10 TD
• Zakhari Franklin: 51 REC / 613 YDS / 51.1 YPG / 3 TD
• Collin Dixon: 17 REC / 237 YDS / 19.8 YPG / 0 TD
• Gabe Jacas: 54 TKL / 7 TFL / 8 SACK
• Matthew Bailey: 69 TKL / 1 INT / 1 PD
• Xavier Scott: 33 TKL / 1 TFL / 1 SACK / 4 INT / 4 PD