Live from the Citrus Bowl: Illinois QB Luke Altmyer Responds to South Carolina Disrespect After Upset Win
The Illinois Fighting Illini ended their season on a triumphant note, claiming a gritty 21-17 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl on Tuesday. Both teams came into the matchup ranked, each with three losses, but much of the pregame chatter centered around South Carolina being a potential College Football Playoff snub. However, Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer revealed the Illini were fueled by a sense of disrespect from their SEC opponents—and they delivered a statement win to silence the doubters.
Speaking after the game, Altmyer shared a particularly stinging moment from a joint team event leading up to the matchup.
“A couple of days ago, we were at the Fun Spot doing a team activity with the other team, and they were calling us Syracuse,” Altmyer said, as reported by Jeremy Werner. “They didn’t even know who they were playing. Not that we needed any extra motivation, but that was all we needed to hear, and we gave them that Big Ten belt.”
Illinois was labeled as underdogs heading into the game, with South Carolina favored by many analysts. But the Fighting Illini made it clear that any doubts about their capability were misplaced.
Altmyer didn’t hold back on his frustration with the broader narrative surrounding Illinois football, especially in comparison to the SEC.
“Been hearing all this talk about SEC, SEC in the playoff and things like that, and I’m just tired of the disrespect,” Altmyer said. “Illinois has been a disrespected program for a long time. I know that because I’m from that area and that conference. I don’t think that’s the case anymore.”
A Turning Point for Illinois Football
Under head coach Bret Bielema, Illinois has emerged as a team on the rise. This season’s 10-3 record represents a significant milestone for a program not historically known for sustained success. Altmyer believes the Illini’s days of being underestimated are over.
“We’ve proven that Illinois can compete at a high level. This is just the beginning,” he stated confidently.
South Carolina’s Misstep
For South Carolina, the loss raises questions about their readiness for high-stakes games. The Gamecocks, coming off a strong season under Shane Beamer, had aspirations for the CFP but fell short in a crucial bowl game. The moment served as a stark reminder that underestimating opponents can have dire consequences.
The Road Ahead
Both Illinois and South Carolina showed promise this season, and their futures appear bright. While Illinois looks to establish itself as a perennial Big Ten contender, South Carolina aims to regroup and contend in the competitive SEC.
For now, though, it’s the Fighting Illini who leave Orlando with their heads held high, proving they’re not a team to be overlooked—especially not confused with Syracuse.
