PHOTOS: South Carolina loses to Illinois in 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

The South Carolina Gamecocks lost to the Illinois Fighting Illini 21-17 in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The Gamecocks were chosen to face the Fighting Illini at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 31, 2024 after finishing the season 9-3 and barely missing the College Football Playoffs. South Carolina will end its season 9-4, with head coach Shane Beamer hopeful for the next season.

Sixth-year tight end Joshua Simon catches a pass in the end zone, resulting in a touchdown for the Gamecocks in the team’s game against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. The post-season matchup was the first ever between the two schools’ football teams.

Cheez-It mascot Ched-Z celebrates with South Carolina players after the team scored a touchdown at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. The Gamecocks lost to the Illinois Fighting Illini 21-17.

Head coach Shane Beamer (center, red shirt) is held back by assistant coaches after running toward Illinois head coach Bret Bielema during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. Beamer later claimed that Bielema taunted South Carolina players after checking on an injured Illinois player, which led to the outlash.

Redshirt senior defensive tackle Alex Huntley drops a pass on a fake punt touchdown attempt during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. The Gamecocks lost to the Illinois Fighting Illini 21-17.

Sophomore defensive back Jalon Kilgore intercepts a pass from Illinois during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. South Carolina faced Illinois for the first time in the schools' history, losing 21-17.

Ched-Z, the Cheez-It mascot, is lifted through the field goal uprights at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 31, 2024. The mascot performed numerous stunts for fans during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, including officiating a marriage during one of the game's timeouts.

Sixth-year wide receiver Dalevon Campbell falls after catching a 60-yard pass in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. The Gamecocks lost to the Fighting Illini 21-17 at Camping World Stadium.

Cheez-It mascot Ched-Z celebrates with Illinois football players after they won the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. The Gamecocks were chosen to face the Fighting Illini at Camping World Stadium after a 9-3 regular season.

Sixth-year running back Oscar Adaway III runs the ball down the field, resulting in a touchdown against Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The Gamecocks were chosen to face the Fighting Illini at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 31, 2024 after missing a spot in the College Football Playoffs.

South Carolina fans watch the Gamecocks face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 31, 2024. The Gamecocks lost 21-17.

Redshirt senior defensive back O'Donnell Fortune (right) attempts to tackle an Illinois linebacker carrying the ball during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. The Gamecocks lost to the Fighting Illini 21-17.

Redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers (right) throws the ball to sophomore wide receiver Nyck Harbor (left) during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Illinois on Dec. 31, 2024. Sellers threw for 260 yards, completing 24 of 34 pass attempts.