![Illinois head coach Bret Bielema heads back to the locker room before the start of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-1/1068672533.jpg)
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema heads back to the locker room before the start of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.
![The Marching Illini trumpets play on the Camping World Stadium field for the pregame band performance.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-3/1245431949.jpg)
The Marching Illini trumpets play on the Camping World Stadium field for the pregame band performance.
![A member of the Illini Cheerleading team holds a Block I flag before Illinois makes its entrance to the stadium.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-9/853940788.jpg)
A member of the Illini Cheerleading team holds a Block I flag before Illinois makes its entrance to the stadium.
![An Illini fan talks to members of the crowd during the first quarter of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-11/2857955325.jpg)
An Illini fan talks to members of the crowd during the first quarter of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.
![Sophomore linebacker James Kreutz and his teammates stand around the benches during the first half of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-20/3512695093.jpg)
Sophomore linebacker James Kreutz and his teammates stand around the benches during the first half of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
![Sophomore running back Aidan Laughery navigates through South Carolinaʼs defense in the first quarter.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-15/1439470202.jpg)
Sophomore running back Aidan Laughery navigates through South Carolinaʼs defense in the first quarter.
![Sophomore defensive back Matthew Bailey attempts to stop sixth year running back Oscar Adaway III. However, Bailey is too late, as Adaway makes a touchdown in the third quarter.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-33/3300935924.jpg)
Sophomore defensive back Matthew Bailey attempts to stop sixth year running back Oscar Adaway III. However, Bailey is too late, as Adaway makes a touchdown in the third quarter.
![Junior running back Josh McCray navigates the ball through the Gamecocksʼ defense with the support of his team.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-49/4034990669.jpg)
Junior running back Josh McCray navigates the ball through the Gamecocksʼ defense with the support of his team.
![Sophomore edge Desmond Umeozulu sits on a crate during the second half of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/DSC01942/1006000387.jpg)
Sophomore edge Desmond Umeozulu sits on a crate during the second half of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.
![Junior running back Josh McCray sprints to the end zone to score during the fourth quarter of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-50/2521741493.jpg)
Junior running back Josh McCray sprints to the end zone to score during the fourth quarter of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
![Junior running back Josh McCray raises his hands in the air toward the stands after scoring against the Gamecocks.](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2025/01/12_31_24_Football-UIUCSoCal_CitrusBowlGame-52/71042390.jpg)
Junior running back Josh McCray raises his hands in the air toward the stands after scoring against the Gamecocks.