Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, center, celebrates with defensive backs Tyler Strain (20) and Matthew Bailey (7) after their win against South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. 

Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP

The Illinois football win against South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl was discussed Wednesday morning on ESPN “College GameDay.” Illinois defeated South Carolina 21-17 in the Citrus Bowl on Tuesday. 

“This one got testy between South Carolina and Illinois,” ESPN host Rece Davis said. 

They showed a clip of South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer going crazy on the field and pointing at Illinois coach Bret Bielema. 

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“Eyes, the eyes,” college football analyst Desmond Howard said of Beamer’s reaction. 

Head coach Shane Beamer of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second half of the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl between South Carolina and Illinois at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 31, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

Dustin Markland/Getty Images

Illinois improved to 10-3 overall with the win. South Carolina finished the season 9-4 overall.

“This Illinois team all year long fighting through some adversity,” ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said. “Bret Bielema doing a heck of a job building that culture up. Big win on New Year’s Eve.” 

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Tuesday’s Citrus Bowl was the first meeting between the Illinois and South Carolina football teams. 

“I think we’ve got to have South Carolina and Illinois play next year early,” Davis said to close the segment. 

ESPN “College GameDay” broadcast from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Wednesday morning.

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Jan 1, 2025