Orlando arts scene wins and losses: ArtSpace, DeSantis, Snap! Orlando and a new crop of women in charge

The Citrus Bowl, played annually in Orlando since 1947, is the seventh-oldest bowl game in the country. It traditionally features top teams from the Big Ten and SEC, drawing fans from across the country.

It’s gameday in the Sunshine State, and there’s a lot on the line for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. South Carolina (9-3) is trying to win its 10th football game in a season for the fifth time ever.

The South Carolina Gamecocks played the Illinois Fighting Illini at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The event, part of Orlando's three bowl games this year, has generated an estimated $100 million for the local economy.

South Carolina fell on Tuesday to Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl by a final score of 21-17. The Gamecocks’ pursuit of a fifth 10-win season failed, and a lot of events somewhat separate from the action on the field stole headlines.

Josh McCray scored his second touchdown of the game on a 9-yard run midway through the fourth quarter to give No. 21 Illinois the lead, and the Illini held on to beat No. 14 South Carolina 21-17 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Gov. JB Pritzker and Rep. Nikki Budzinski celebrate Illinois Fighting Illini's Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina.

Josh McCray rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 7:29 left, to lead No. 20 Illinois to a 21-17 Citrus Bowl victory over No. 15

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is bringing a New Year's Day treat as the No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) take on the No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3) at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.