Illinois +8.5 2.2% play / Illinois +275 0.5%
South Carolina had a great season, but I think they are being a bit over valued here due to the SEC respect and how this team finished the season even getting love for the playoffs. South Carolina will be without two of their best players for this game in Kyle Kenard the outstanding DE who had 11.5 sacks, and RB Rocket Sanders, which really made Sellers a tough running QB. Sellers definitely improved as the season went along, but with extra time to prepare, I believe this Illinois defense can come up with a game plan to keep him in check.
On the flip side Illinois has transfer on the OL that is playing in this game, which tells you all you need to know about Illinois motivation here having not won a bowl game since 2011. This is a team that dominated Michigan this year, and was tied with Penn St halfway through the third quarter. They have a very good QB in Luke Altmyer 21 TD 5 int. I worry a bit about the OL here for Illinois, but they did face a ton of good pass rushes this season average opponent sack % ranking 44th, while South Carolina comes in 6th, but faced an average OL of 82. Coaching edge to Bielema who has accomplished more in his career. I think this will be a tight game, and Illinois has the edge in turnover percentage. South Carolina ranked 103rd in turnover % per possession while Illinois ranked 36th.
