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Josh McCray scored his second touchdown of the game on a 9-yard run midway through the fourth quarter to give No. 21 Illinois the lead, and the Illini held on to beat No. 14 South Carolina 21-17 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. McCray rushed for 114 yards on 13 carries, including a 3-yard TD run in the third quarter. Luke Altmeyer threw for 174 yards with a touchdown and an interception as Illinois (10-3) closed out the fifth 10-win season in program history and its first since 2001. South Carolina fell short of the fifth 10-win season in program.

The holidays are over and so are the bulk of college basketball’s nonconference games. As the year turns to 2025, things are going to ramp up in a hurry. Coming off a quiet stretch in the schedule, the season kicks into full gear this week, highlighted by a super Saturday with four games between ranked teams that includes No. 1 Tennessee hosting No. 23 Arkansas. Fellow undefeated teams No. 6 Florida and No. 12 Oklahoma also face tough games. The Gators return to action with a game at No. 10 Kentucky, and the Sooners play at No. 5 Alabama.

Both No. 14 South Carolina and No. 21 Illinois are on the verge of rare feats for their program as they prepare to meet at the Citrus Bowl to cap their season. Both programs faced crossroads and overcame adversity to get there and put themselves on the verge of 10-win seasons. South Carolina rallied to win the team's final six games to clinch a trip to Florida for bowl season. Illinois also had to rally and win their final three to put themselves on the verge of a 10-win season.

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