On New Year’s Eve, when Illinois takes the field in sunny Orlando, Florida, to face South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl (2 p.m. CT, on ESPN), it will be a day of firsts for Illini football.

Back then, football players wore helmets made out of leather without facemasks. Now, Illinois isn't able to send their players out in leather helmets or without facemasks, but they found the next ...

It's safe to assume that Illinois, having already celebrated its Rededication Game in October against Michigan, the helmet choice ... turnaround of Illinois football over the past four seasons.