South Carolina vs Illinois Odds: Bet Illini in Citrus Bowl on December 31

It will be a matchup between the SEC and the Big Ten when the South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Both teams finished in the top half of the standings in their respective conferences, but not high enough to get into the College Football Playoff.

South Carolina is a sizable 10½-point favorite versus Illinois on BetUS Sportsbook, with the over/under for the game set at 49½. Let’s take a look at my college football pick for this Citrus Bowl matchup between South Carolina and Illinois.

South Carolina vs Illinois Game Information

• Game: South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) vs Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3)
• Date/Time: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
• South Carolina vs Illinois Live Stream: ABC

2 Things To Think About When You Bet South Carolina vs Illinois

1. South Carolina Is a CFP-Caliber Team

If the College Football Playoff committee simply chose the 12 teams playing the best ball to close the season, South Carolina would likely be among the squads punching their ticket to the postseason. Instead, the Gamecocks’ three losses put them in a cluster with other SEC teams like Ole Miss and Alabama.

Powerful message from Demetrius Knight Jr. on why he decided to play in the Citrus Bowl with @GamecockFB:

“I have kids. I didn’t want my daughter or son to ask me why I didn’t play in the last game. I don’t want to give them an excuse. If you start it, finish it.” pic.twitter.com/s7hTG2oLyC

— Julia Westerman (@JuliaWesterman) December 20, 2024

The committee gave up on the entire SEC cluster, and it is hard to feel bad for South Carolina given the team dropped three games. That said, this is a matchup featuring two ranked teams.

Well, sort of, as is the nature of most bowl games, both teams are dealing with opt-outs and losing players to the transfer portal. Keep this in mind as you bet online.

The good news for South Carolina is that star quarterback LaNorris Sellers is on track to play versus Illinois. However, running back Rocket Sanders will not suit up in the Citrus Bowl.

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2. Bet on the Illini to Keep It Close

I really like this South Carolina squad, and the team had a chance to win some games in the College Football Playoff if the Gamecocks somehow made it. Yet, the makeup of that team feels like it happened a decade ago.

Looking at South Carolina vs Illinois betting trends, wagering on a team as a double-digit favorite this bowl season feels a bit like lighting your money on fire. Illinois has wins this season against Kansas, Michigan and Nebraska.

#illini Bret Bielema’s full circle moment

“My first ever bowl game was the Citrus Bowl”. Bielema was the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers in 2006 and they beat Arkansas 17-14

“The people here have always been awesome. Orlando, Florida has been awesome. The way they take care… pic.twitter.com/JF7WD7IxGp

— Carson Gourdie (@GourdieReport) December 28, 2024

In what is essentially an exhibition game, I like Illinois’ chances to keep it close and cover the sizable spread in the NCAA football odds.Take the Illini in the NCAA football lines versus the Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl.

Bet On Illinois +10½ vs South Carolina

Question of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.