There’s just one more game left in this successful 2024 season for No. 21 Illinois (9-3), but No. 14 South Carolina (9-3) is no joke. In fact, the Gamecocks were involved in one of the most controversial games of the year, and many fans believe they should be 10-2 and playing for a national title.
With bowl game opt-outs, it’s usually hard to predict which version of a team will show up. Regardless, the Gamecocks are a top-three opponent of the Illini’s season and pose challenges that come with facing an SEC opponent.
LaNorris Sellers
Redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers took the SEC by storm this season. After sitting behind Spencer Rattler in 2023, Sellers took command of the South Carolina offense in his first full season.
Seven ranked opponents filled the schedule in a first-year gauntlet for the former No. 34 quarterback in his class. Even with an unfortunate loss against then-No. 16 LSU, Sellers led them to fifth place in the SEC.
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The South Carolina native is a true dual threat and has learned to utilize his skill set in every game. Sellers totaled nearly 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns while only throwing seven interceptions. He only threw three in the final six weeks, showing his improvement as the year continued.
His final game was one of his best. While the box score may look messy, Sellers took matters into his own hands late against the ACC champions, No. 13 Clemson. Most of the damage came on the ground, with Sellers avoiding a normally stout defense on his way to 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He scored the go-ahead touchdown with just over a minute left and put all future opponents on alert for his running talent.
“He’s definitely a problem,” said Illinois junior defensive back Miles Scott. “I feel like a lot of quarterbacks that we’ve seen are talented for sure, but I think LaNorris Sellers is in a different category.”
Talented underclassmen stepping up
After losing one of its top receiving options a year ago, South Carolina brought in two talented skill-position players. Sophomore receiver Nyck Harbor and freshman Mazeo Bennett Jr. were ranked No. 15 and 266 players, respectively, in the class of 2024.
Both receivers each tallied over 300 yards and three touchdowns in their debut seasons and should see expanded roles on Tuesday. Both will return next year with Sellers, and the late-season chemistry that the trio has formed during bowl preparation could go a long way for the team next year.
An SEC defensive line
Perhaps the area that separates the SEC and Big Ten the most from other conferences is in the trenches. As South Carolina has returned to the status of a top-tier SEC program, it has built a big, athletic and explosive line.
Five-star freshman edge rusher Dylan Stewart highlighted last year’s class and made a year-one splash. Stewart recorded 6.5 sacks in his freshman season, contributing to South Carolina’s 40 during the season. The team added 18 forced fumbles and has a knack for making things happen up front.
The Gamecocks’ depth is impressive. Their ability to rotate players all throughout the front seven makes them dangerous and could give the Illini problems in this big game.
“Defensively, they’re a fast, physical, confident group,” said junior quarterback Luke Altmyer. “They trust their scheme really, really well, and they fly around and tackle well.”
New coordinator Mike Shula
Mike Shula will coach his first game as South Carolina’s offensive coordinator on Tuesday. Shula has plenty of NFL experience and was head coach at Alabama early in his career. He’s a football veteran and is already using his knowledge to propel the South Carolina offense.
“Just haven’t been back in college football for a while, and it’s very refreshing,” Shula said. “To see this football team develop from (spring ball) in all three phases, especially offensively, it’s been pretty cool.”
His first game will deal with opt-outs, and Shula must filter in the younger players. It’s his first chance to manage a group he will have full control over next season. As a result, the Illini could see some new developments in the scheme.
“Offensively, it’s just trying to get a good feel of, again, what we’ve done well,” Shula said. “Keep building on that, and then if there’s other things we can add from certain backgrounds, then we’ll do that.”
Tuesday will be a competitive matchup on both sides of the football. Illinois earned every bit of the opportunity to play a talented SEC program in its final contest of the season.
@benfader7
