At a watch party at Joes on Weed Street fans popped champagne Tuesday as they watched the Fighting Illini clinch their first bowl victory since 2011 over the South Carolina Gamecocks. For some it was a pregame warmup before the clock strikes midnight.

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 on Tuesday.

South Carolina concluded its season on Tuesday with a Citrus Bowl matchup against Illinois. The Gamecocks are seeking a 10-win season for the fifth time ever.