How Illinois Football Can Upset South Carolina

With talented running back Rocket Sanders (2024 Comeback Player of the Year) sidelined for South Carolina in preparation for the NFL draft, the fighting Illini defense now holds the keys to Illinois Football taking control in Orlando.

The Gamecocks offense has been surprisingly explosive in 2024 with redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers at the helm. To date, the young man boasts 2,274 total yards, 17 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions on his way to leading South Carolina to the Citrus Bowl. Certainly, that is a special accomplishment for a quarterback of his age. He’s an extremely smart and talented young player, who certainly played a crucial role in boosting South Carolina from a projected 5-6 win team, to 9 wins, and on the brink of a college football playoff.

11/30 – Win over Clemson in Season Finale

Credit:. Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images.

If the Illini front 7 can make running the ball with backup rushers difficult on new OC Mike Shula’s offense, taking down the Illini is going to be more work than many currently project. At that point, you are asking a young Sellers to go head to head with Junior Luke Altmyer through the air and win, which frankly does not seem likely.

Furthermore, South Carolina would need a monster day from their defense to snag the win.

The Illini defensive front must hold their gap integrity, and give their battered linebacker corp a chance to make plays in the run game. If Gabe Jacas and co. could then put pressure on the Gamecocks’ young quarterback, perhaps the freshman QB will actually look like a freshman.

Shane Beamer on The Gamecock’s Rushing Attack

“Oscar’s (Adaway III) played a lot of snaps for us,” stated Beamer in his 12/27 presser. “Jawarn Howell we are excited about, Juju (McDowell) is a veteran guy, Matthew Fuller is a guy you may see in this game some carrying the ball. That’s a position that we’re really excited about our young talent at with Jawarn and Matthew. So, I’m excited to see those guys run the ball on the 31st.”

The Big Question: With Pat Bryant additionally opted out for Illinois, whose offense will prevail with some star pieces missing?

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