Total Yards
Illinois357
South Carolina390
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Data sourced from NCAA game stats archive (2024)
Game Center
South Carolina at Illinois
Dec 31, 2024 • Completed • Neutral Site
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Season 2024PostseasonWeek 1
Away
South Carolina
SEC
Final Score
17 - 21
SCI
Home
Illinois
Big Ten
Game Pulse
Immediate edge indicators from the box score.
Passing Yards
Illinois174
South Carolina260
Rushing Yards
Illinois183
South Carolina130
Turnovers
Illinois2
South Carolina1
Game Conditions
ConditionRain Shower
Temperature77°F
Wind13 mph SW
Humidity
69%
Precipitation
0.01 in
Player Game Leaders
Top individual performers and full player box data.
Full Player Box
Box Score Comparison
Illinois vs South Carolina box score comparison chart
Possession Split
Possession split chart
Illinois28:44
South Carolina31:16
Stat Dominance
Team comparison across key performance areas
Radar chart comparing team performance across key metrics
Game Story
Illinois holds off South Carolina 21-17
Illinois defeated South Carolina 21-17 in Week 1 of the 2024 postseason slate, finishing with a 357-390 edge in total yards, and scoring 1 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns.
Illinois set the terms early in a game that finished 21-17. Alex Herrera 29 yd FG GOOD came with {'seconds': 24, 'minutes': 7} left in the first quarter, giving South Carolina the first major swing.
Illinois's box score carried the story: 357 total yards, 183 rushing yards, and 174 passing yards. South Carolina finished with 390 total yards, including 130 on the ground and 260 through the air.
Illinois converted 8-12 on third down, went 0-1 on fourth down, the turnover count was 2-1, Illinois led 7-3 at halftime. The explosive highlight was Luke Altmyer pass complete to Zakhari Franklin for 15 yds for a TD (David Olano KICK).
Key Moments
Field Goal Good
Alex Herrera 29 yd FG GOOD (South Carolina led 3-0 over Illinois).
Passing Touchdown
Luke Altmyer pass complete to Zakhari Franklin for 15 yds for a TD (David Olano KICK) (Illinois led 7-3 over South Carolina).
Rushing Touchdown
Oscar Adaway III run for 36 yds for a TD (Alex Herrera KICK) (South Carolina led 10-7 over Illinois).
Rushing Touchdown
Josh McCray run for 3 yds for a TD (David Olano KICK) (Illinois led 14-10 over South Carolina).
Passing Touchdown
LaNorris Sellers pass complete to Joshua Simon for 6 yds for a TD (Alex Herrera KICK) (South Carolina led 17-14 over Illinois).
Rushing Touchdown
Josh McCray run for 9 yds for a TD (David Olano KICK) (Illinois led 21-17 over South Carolina).
Stat Callouts
Final score
21-17
Illinois defeated South Carolina.
Total yards
357-390
Illinois held the yardage advantage.
Rushing yards
183
Illinois averaged 5.2 yards per rush attempt.
Passing yards
174
Illinois averaged 7.9 yards per pass attempt.
Third downs
8-12
Illinois's conversion rate helped sustain possessions.
Opponent third downs
9-16
South Carolina's offense worked through that conversion rate.
Turnovers
2-1
Turnover totals are listed winner first.
Analysis
Game Breakdown
| Statistic | Illinois | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 357 | 390 |
| Passing Yards | 174 | 260 |
| Rushing Yards | 183 | 130 |
| First Downs | 22 | 20 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 8-12 | 9-16 |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 0-1 | 1-3 |
| Total Penalties (Yards) | 2-15 | 6-55 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Completions / Attempts | 13-22 | 24-35 |
| Rushing Attempts | 35 | 33 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 1 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 | 1 |
| Kicking Points | 3 | 5 |
| Possession Time | 28:44 | 31:16 |