Orlando, Florida
The University of South Carolina Football team has formally accepted a bid to compete in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the University of Illinois. The announcement was made today by Florida Citrus Sports, marking an exciting end to the Gamecocks’ season.
When and Where
The 79th edition of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will take place at 3 pm ET on Tuesday, December 31, from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Fans can tune in nationally on ABC to catch the action live.
Team Backgrounds
Both teams come into this matchup with impressive records. South Carolina finished their regular season with a 9-3 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They concluded the season ranked 15th in the final College Football Playoff rankings. Similarly, the Fighting Illini had a successful season, posting a 9-3 record and finishing 20th in the CFP after going 6-3 in the Big Ten.
Significance of the Matchup
This game marks the first time that these two prominent universities will face each other on the football field. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer expressed enthusiasm about returning to Orlando, stating, “We are extremely excited to return to Orlando and play in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. It’s a great destination for our fans, and I look forward to the Garnet & Black taking over Orlando.” He also noted that his players would be ready for the challenge against Illinois.
Acknowledgments
South Carolina’s Athletics Director, Ray Tanner, highlighted the significance of this bowl game, commenting, “The Citrus Bowl is one of the great bowl games and destinations. This is a great reward for our players, coaches, and football staff for an outstanding season.” With the team aiming for their 10th win of the season, Tanner is optimistic about the Gamecocks competing against Illinois, noting the team is in capable hands under Coach Bret Bielema.
Previous Bowl Appearances
This marks the Gamecocks’ fourth trip to a bowl game in Orlando but is their first since the end of the 2013 season. South Carolina previously participated in the Tangerine Bowl in 1975, marking a low point in their history with a 20-7 defeat to Miami (Ohio). However, they found success in the Capital One Bowl, winning in consecutive years against Nebraska and Wisconsin in 2012 and 2014 respectively.
Ticket Information
In terms of fan engagement, Gamecock Club members will soon receive emails with details on how to request tickets for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Other fans interested in attending are encouraged to purchase tickets directly from the bowl organization.
Upcoming Media Engagement
As the game approaches, Coach Shane Beamer is scheduled to meet with members of the media on Sunday night. He will discuss the Gamecocks’ upcoming challenge in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, delving into the strategy and preparations for their inaugural showdown against Illinois.
