South Carolina Gamecocks vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction, 12/31/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: South Carolina Gamecocks vs Illinois Fighting Illini

Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Location: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL

TV: ABC

Odds/Point Spread: Fighting Illini (+10.5)

Total/Over-Under: 47.5

The South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) are traveling to Camping World Stadium on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 where they will play the Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Illinois opens this game as 10.5-point underdogs. The total is set at 47.5.

The South Carolina Gamecocks come into this matchup with a record of 9-3 for this year. In their last contest, the Gamecocks played the Clemson Tigers and took home the win by a score of 17-14. The South Carolina Gamecocks ran the ball a total of 42 different times and accounted for 267 yds, which had them averaging 6.4 yards per carry. At the end of the game, they tallied 63 plays which converted into 431 yards. South Carolina relinquished 24 completions on 37 tries for a total of 280 yards, and a completion rate of 64.9%. When it came to stopping the run, the Gamecocks conceded 139 yards on 32 tries, which is an average of 4.3 yards per run allowed.

When it comes to scoring, the South Carolina Gamecocks are sitting at 31.6 points per game. Offensively they're maintaining an average of 188.9 yards on the ground which has them sitting 34th in college football. The Gamecocks have earned 4,912 total yards for the season. In terms of scoring touchdowns, South Carolina has earned 20 touchdowns via the pass and 25 touchdowns via the ground. South Carolina has accumulated 260 1st downs offensively, and they have committed 82 infractions for 700 yds. They have turned the ball over 20 different times.

The Gamecocks are ranked 14th in the nation when it comes to team defense, giving up 17.8 PPG. Opposing teams are running for an average of 3.0 yards per tote and 106.3 yards on the ground per game so far this year. Overall, they have allowed 1,276 yards via the ground game in 12 games. When it comes to yards via the pass, the Gamecocks are giving up 2,483 yds which puts them in 46th in college football. They have conceded 206.9 yards per outing via the pass and allowed a completion percentage of 57.5%. During the season, they are allowing 313.3 yards per contest which puts them 15th in the country. They have surrendered 10 touchdowns via the pass as well as 16 touchdowns on the ground.

Get all of our College Football Picks this Week

The Fighting Illini head into this game 9-3 this season. The last time they took the field, the Fighting Illini took home the win by a final score of 38-28 against the Northwestern Wildcats. Illinois rushed the football for 5.9 yards per carry, finishing the contest with 212 yds on 36 attempts. The Fighting Illini finished with a total of 382 yards and they ran 53 plays (7.2 yds per play). The Fighting Illini secondary gave up a completion rate of 47.5%, surrendering 329 yards on 29 out of 61 through the air. Illinois relinquished 29 run attempts for 113 yds (3.9 yds per carry).

The Illinois Fighting Illini average 365.5 yards per outing, which ranks them 90th in the country. The Illinois offense has compiled 508 penalty yards on 66 violations, which is good for 85th in the country in terms of hurting your team. They have an average of 151.2 run yards per game and have toted the ball for 1,814 yards for the year. They have tossed 5 picks while losing 7 fumbles and they have obtained 244 1st downs. Regarding the points being put on the board, the Fighting Illini rank 63rd in D-1 with 28.9 points per outing. During this campaign to this point, the Fighting Illini have compiled 2,572 yards through the air as well as an average of 214.3 throwing yards per game, ranking them 83rd in the nation.

The Fighting Illini are relinquishing 22.1 points per contest, which has them 39th in D-1. Illinois has allowed a total of 1,799 yards on the ground (149.9 yards/game) and 11 touchdowns via the rush for the season. This season, they have given up 265 points in total. They have allowed 18 touchdowns through the air as well as 221.8 yards/game, which has them ranked 74th in college football. The Fighting Illini defense has been on the field for 817 plays, which has them sitting 79th in the country. Their defense has tallied 7 fumbles and 12 interceptions so far this season.

Who will win tonight's Gamecocks/Fighting Illini college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Gamecocks -10.5

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here