Live Report: Illinois and South Carolina Clash in Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
ORLANDO, Fla. — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema seems to be embracing the postseason spotlight, steering the Illini into territory they haven’t frequented in decades.
Before Bielema’s arrival, bowl games were a rarity in Champaign. Over the past 20 years, the Illini only made five bowl appearances, with highlights like the 2007 Rose Bowl standing out. Lesser-known outings, such as the 2019 Redbox Bowl, barely registered excitement among the fanbase. And let’s be honest—is Redbox even a thing anymore?
Bielema has made it his mission to reshape the culture of Illinois football since taking the reins.
“Postseason play is just one of those things that I think once you are a part of it, you get addicted to it more and more,” Bielema remarked. “Obviously, these guys have earned the right to be here.”
In just four years, Bielema has led Illinois to two bowl appearances, including this season’s prestigious Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where they’ll face the red-hot South Carolina Gamecocks.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is also riding a wave of momentum, with his team on a six-game win streak and narrowly missing the College Football Playoff.
“You have two really good teams that easily could be in the playoff, that want to be here,” Beamer said. “This is as good as it gets.”
Both teams are eyeing a milestone 10th win of the season, a feat South Carolina hasn’t achieved since 2013, while Illinois last hit the mark back in 2001. Despite the stakes, Beamer had nothing but praise for the Illini.
“They do things the right way at Illinois,” Beamer said. “You can watch tape and tell the teams that are about the right stuff, and playing the game the right way.”
Balancing Bowl Prep and the Transfer Portal
For both programs, the week leading up to the game has been a juggling act. Coaches are managing game preparation, transfer portal activities, and player retention.
Illinois, in particular, has five players participating in the Citrus Bowl who have already declared their intentions to transfer.
“We have five guys that are going to play in this game that are in the portal,” Bielema explained. “I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t love them, if I didn’t trust them, if I didn’t believe in who they were. I want to help them go to where they want to go.”
Despite the challenges, Bielema remains focused on the group he’s built, crediting his roster’s special chemistry for their nine-win season and exceeding expectations. But he made it clear that Illinois isn’t relying on external factors to succeed.
“We are not paying any kid any amount of dollars to play in this game,” Bielema said. “Our kids are here and want to be a part of it.”
As Illinois and South Carolina prepare to square off in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with both programs seeking to cap their seasons on a high note and solidify their place among college football’s elite. Stay tuned for live updates as this thrilling matchup unfolds!
