What happened the last time South Carolina faced off with Bret Bielema?
On Sunday, news broke that Shane Beamer’s South Carolina football team would match up with the Illinois Fighting Illini and head coach Bret Bielema in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl this bowl season. The Citrus Bowl chose the Gamecocks over Alabama and Ole Miss as the top non-College Football Playoff SEC team. The New Year’s Eve showdown will be the first-ever meeting between Carolina and Illinois.
However, it will not be the first time the Gamecocks have faced Bielema.
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Though he had his most pre-Illinois success with the Wisconsin Badgers, Bielema also spent five seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks. During that time, he coached one game against South Carolina. Back in 2013, the Hogs hosted the ‘Cocks for their homecoming game.
The Gamecocks made themselves right at home in Reynolds Razorback Stadium that day. Following Arkansas’ opening drive touchdown, everything went USC’s way, and the scoreboard reflected that. When the dust settled, Steve Spurrier’s squad was on top 52-7 en route to their third consecutive 11-2 record.
South Carolina outgained Arkansas by nearly 300 yards (537-248), thanks to the Gamecock defense holding the Razorback air attack to just 30 total yards in the game. Quarterback Brandon Allen went 4-for-13 with an interception to cornerback Victor Hampton as the USC secondary dominated.
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Connor Shaw, as Connor Shaw was all season in 2013, was brilliant. He logged 256 yards and 4 total touchdowns before giving way to Dylan Thompson (who also threw for a score). Mike Davis led the ground attack with 128 yards on just 19 carries. He joined Shaw and Brendan Nosovitch with rushing touchdowns. Bruce Ellington was the top receiver, reeling in six receptions for 96 yards and two scores. Damiere Byrd and Kane Whitehurst also caught touchdowns.
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11 years later, Bielema’s Illinois team and Beamer’s South Carolina squad are just over three weeks away from playing. The 2024 Citrus Bowl will be on December 31st, and kickoff will be at 3:00 p.m. Fans can tune in to watch the SEC-BIG Ten contest on ABC or stream it on ESPN+.
