South Carolina’s football team, led by coach Shane Beamer, is set to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini and head coach Bret Bielema in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. This matchup was chosen by the Citrus Bowl over Alabama and Ole Miss, marking the first-ever meeting between Carolina and Illinois.
While this will be the first time the two teams meet, it won’t be the first time Beamer and Bielema have faced off. Bielema previously coached against South Carolina during his time with the Arkansas Razorbacks, where the Gamecocks dominated in a 52-7 victory back in 2013.
The Gamecocks outgained the Razorbacks by nearly 300 yards in that game, with quarterback Connor Shaw leading the charge with 256 yards and 4 total touchdowns. The defense held Arkansas to just 30 total yards in the air, showcasing a dominant performance.
Now, 11 years later, Beamer’s South Carolina team will look to replicate that success against Bielema’s Illinois squad. The 2024 Citrus Bowl is set to take place on December 31st, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. Fans can catch the action on ABC or stream it on ESPN+.
This highly anticipated matchup between two respected coaches and their teams is sure to be a thrilling game that fans won’t want to miss.
Source
Photo credit www.on3.com