In the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Tuesday, No. 21 Illinois secured a 21-17 victory over No. 14 South Carolina thanks to Josh McCray’s second touchdown of the game, a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter. McCray’s impressive performance, including a total of 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns, earned him the game’s MVP title. The Illini defense played a crucial role in the win, stopping South Carolina at the 7-yard line in the final minutes. This win marked Illinois’ fifth 10-win season in program history and their first since 2001. Despite a close game with the lead switching hands multiple times, South Carolina fell short of their own 10-win season aspirations. The contest was not without controversy, as a dispute arose between the coaches over a signal used by South Carolina’s kick returners, highlighting the intensity of the matchup.
Both Illinois and South Carolina are positioned to make significant strides in the upcoming college football season. Despite their relative youth compared to other teams in the power conferences, both squads have shown promise and potential for success in 2025.
In a noteworthy display of skill and determination, Illinois demonstrated their capabilities and set the stage for a promising future. With one of the youngest rosters in the power conferences, the Fighting Illini have the opportunity to continue their upward trajectory and make an impact in the upcoming season.
Similarly, South Carolina boasts a young roster, indicating a bright future ahead. The Gamecocks closed out the previous season with an impressive six-game winning streak, showcasing their potential and determination to succeed in the competitive landscape of college football.
Looking ahead, South Carolina is gearing up to capitalize on their strong finish from the previous season. With a challenging opener against Virginia Tech in Atlanta on August 31, the Gamecocks are poised to build upon their recent successes and make a statement in the 2025 season.
On the other hand, Illinois aims to carry forward the momentum from their strong showing in the previous season. Opening their 2025 campaign against Western Illinois on August 30, the Fighting Illini are determined to continue their progress and establish themselves as a formidable force in the college football arena.
As the new season unfolds, college football enthusiasts can stay updated and informed by signing up for poll alerts and receiving updates on the AP Top 25 rankings throughout the season. For more information on AP college football, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football.
Through dedication, skill, and strategic planning, both Illinois and South Carolina are poised to make their mark in the 2025 college football season, showcasing the depth of talent and competitiveness within the sport.
