Opposing head coaches had to distance themselves from each other following provocations caused by player injuries during Tuesday’s Citrus Bowl.
Illinois defensive back Jaheim Clark was injured during the play and was treated by trainers and head coach Bret Bielema.
Bielema apparently didn’t like it and taunted South Carolina with the signal for a substitution.
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Shane Beamer wasn’t happy with Bret Bielema’s taunt after the player’s injury.
It’s unclear who exactly Bielema gestured toward, but Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer lost the gesture almost immediately and had a lot to say to his opponent.
Beamer had to be held back not only by his fellow staff, but also by the umpires and even some of his own players.
The entire match was choppy with some jeers throughout the contest. Bielema dismissed the incident in his postgame interview, saying it was simply a “football game.”


Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema dismissed the incident in a postgame interview, calling it simply “a football game.” (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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After the University of Illinois won 21-17, the two shook hands and immediately hugged.
The incident seemed to spark a bit of fire for the Siamcocks, as Beamer scored a touchdown just five plays after being pulled from Bielema to take a 17-14 lead early in the fourth.
But the Illini fought back with a 12-play drive of their own, going 75 yards down the field and attacking the end zone to regain a 21-17 lead midway through the quarter.
The Shamcocks got inside the 10-yard line on the ensuing drive, but were unable to score, and the Fighting Illini took a knee as time expired.


University of South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer had to be restrained by his fellow staff, referees and even his own players. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
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This is the fifth time Illinois has won 10 games in a season and the first time since 2001.
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