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South Carolina

Bret Bielema excited for SEC challenge

wesby: Wes Mitchell12/09/24WesMitchellGC
brett bielema
Brett Bielema (Photo by Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema knows a few things about the SEC after spending 2013-2017 at Arkansas and the veteran coach is looking forward to testing his team’s mettle against a team from the top conference.

Bielema’s Fighting Illini team learned on Sunday afternoon that they’ll face Shane Beamer and the red-hot Gamecocks in this year’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

“To get a chance to play a game with this team, another opportunity, is absolutely awesome,” Bielema said Sunday. “To play a team like South Carolina, obviously a red-hot football team, a tremendous amount of respect for not only their program and their players and Coach Beamer. I called him to say congratulations. Super excited to play an SEC opponent, someone of high character and value. I know Coach Beamer is known for doing things the right way. Super excited about the opportunity.”

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Both teams enter the bowl season with identical 9-3 records after both went 5-7 last year, so vibes are high in both Columbia and Champaign, Ill.

Citrus Bowl execs have to be thrilled with their draw considering the matchup will pit South Carolina’s emerging superstar quarterback LaNorris Sellers against Illinois’ Luke Altmeyer, who has thrown for 2,543 yards and 21 touchdowns this season.

While Illinois hasn’t begun its game prep yet, Bielema has admired Sellers from afar.

“Super excited, not only him but their entire offense has been very exciting,” Bielema said. “I have watched him just a little bit during the course of the year. …

“Anytime you play an SEC opponent, someone that’s ranked in the top 20, the quarterback is going to make a lot of things go. But I would also say I’ve got tremendous respect for all three phases of the game. I know Coach Beamer, in his past history, special teams are a huge priority in that program. I’m really excited for the prep coming up here in the next 48 hours.”

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The 79th edition of the game will kick off at 3 pm ET on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. It will be televised nationally on ABC.

“We are extremely excited to return to Orlando and play in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl,” Beamer said. “It’s a great destination for our fans and I look forward to the Garnet & Black taking over Orlando. I know our players will be ready for the challenge of playing Illinois for the first time and looking for our 10th win of the season.”

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