ORLANDO, FL (Chambana Today) – The Fighting Illini are celebrating their first Cheez-It Citrus Bowl championship after a 21-17 victory over #15 South Carolina on Tuesday at Camping World Stadium.
Illinois secured its 10th win of the 2024 season, matching the program’s single-season record for victories. This marks the first time since 2001 the Illini have reached 10 wins in a season, adding to their historic achievements under head coach Bret Bielema.
After falling behind in the final frame, Illinois took the lead with 7:29 left in the game. The Illini defense then held strong, forcing a turnover on downs with just over three minutes to go, before running out the clock on their final possession.
Josh McCray, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl MVP, recorded his third multi-touchdown game of the season. McCray ran for two touchdowns, totaling 114 yards on 13 carries. His two scores increased his season total to 10 rushing touchdowns, placing him eighth on Illinois’ single-season list for rushing touchdowns.
Hank Beatty also had a career-best outing, catching four passes for 90 yards. His 59-yard reception in the first quarter was the longest play of his career and a key highlight for the Illini offense.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw for 174 yards, completing 13 of 22 attempts. He connected with Zakhari Franklin for a 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Franklin finished with four catches for 39 yards, while Collin Dixon made a crucial 27-yard reception during the third-quarter drive that regained the lead for Illinois.
The Illini defense was equally impressive, forcing two turnovers on downs and recovering a fumble in the third quarter. Matthew Bailey led the defense with a team-high 13 tackles, while Ezekiel Holmes forced his first career fumble to set up the go-ahead touchdown.
The game started with South Carolina taking an early 3-0 lead, but Illinois responded with a touchdown in the first quarter to take a 7-3 lead. A missed South Carolina field goal attempt as time expired in the first half allowed the Illini to go into the break with the lead.
South Carolina briefly regained the lead in the third quarter, but Illinois answered back with a 63-yard, nine-play drive capped off by McCray’s 3-yard touchdown run, putting the Illini back on top, 14-10.
The Gamecocks regained the lead on the opening play of the fourth quarter, but once again, Illinois found a way to respond. McCray’s second touchdown, a 9-yard run with 7:29 left in the game, gave Illinois a 21-17 advantage.
South Carolina had a chance to tie the game, moving into the red zone with a critical fourth-and-4 at the Illini 7-yard line. But the Illinois defense stood strong, forcing an incompletion to stop the drive.
On the ensuing possession, McCray sealed the win with a 60-yard run on a third-and-2 from the Illinois 15-yard line, clinching the victory for the Illini.
With the win, Illinois finishes the season with a 10-3 record, making them just the fifth team in program history to reach 10 wins in a season. This victory marks the Illini’s first-ever win over an SEC opponent and their fourth ranked win of the year, tying the program record for most ranked wins in a single season.
