When it takes the field Tuesday against the Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl (2 p.m., Ch. 7), Illinois, also 9-3, will have its hands more than full. The Gamecocks finished 15th in the playoff rankings (14th AP), to the Illini’s 20th (21st AP), but a double-digit point spread speaks more clearly to the perceived gap between these teams.

South Carolina's best defensive player -- actually, the nation's best defensive player -- won't play in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Eve. Illinois won't have its all-Big Ten receiver.

Shane Beamer has kept the decision under wraps even as USC named Mike Shula the team’s new offensive coordinator.