Kickoff set for 3 p.m. on ABC
Cheez‑It Citrus Bowl: Gamecocks vs Illini
Friday night rolls around, and the South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up to face the Illinois Fighting Illini in this season’s Citrus Bowl. The matchup, set for 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 31 at Camping World Stadium, will be streamed live on ABC, so grab a snack and get ready for some football fireworks.
Why This Game Is Worth the Grub
- South Carolina: Ranked 15th, holding a 9‑3 record (5‑3 in the SEC). It’s their fourth overall Citrus Bowl appearance, the latest since a sweet 34‑24 win over Wisconsin in the 2013‑14 season.
- Illinois: Ranked 20th, also at 9‑3 (6‑3 in the Big Ten). This is their second time in the bowl, with the first back in 1990 when quarterback Jeff George led them to a 31‑21 victory over Virginia.
- Krunchy fact: The Gamecocks and Illini have never met on the field before, so it’s a fresh clash.
- Historical tidbit: The Citrus Bowl’s 79th edition pulls top SEC and Big Ten teams together—it’s been a tradition since 1993.
What “Cheez‑It” is Doing
The Cheez‑It brand is the title sponsor for this year’s bowl, and the 2023 edition featured a 35‑0 blow‑out by Tennessee over Iowa. That’s a face‑palm for the Illini squad; history sometimes teaches—or reminds!
Grab Your Seats
- Tickets are on sale now—perfect for a New Year’s Eve football party.
- Check CheezItCitrusBowl.com for group, premium, and Family Fun Play options. Front‑row seats are the best for bragging rights.
So, whether you’re Team Gamecocks, Team Illini, or just in it for the halftime popcorn, this bowl is set to be a memorable kickoff to the holiday season. Wish us luck, we’re hoping the Gamecocks keep the ball rolling and the Illini stay in the game—both in spirit and in score!