It’s a far cry from the Heisman-caliber numbers expected this season, but running back Mike Davis has been serviceable during the early going for unranked South Carolina.

That’s part of the problem, however. Serviceable doesn’t cut as a preseason East favorite and the Gamecocks’ rushing attack overall suffers when their best player sputters game to game.

Davis answered questions pertaining to his slow start after Wednesday’s practice.

“I’m doing ok, but not great,” he said.

When asked how he feels about his performance, Davis responded with an honest answer.

“Shaky,” he said. “It could be better without the nagging injuries or whatever. Ankle, ribs … I can play through it.”

How bad has it been?

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott has rushed for more yards — 378 — on 18 fewer carries and one less game.

Comparing Davis’ 2014 start to last season’s 1,183-yard sophomore season, the numbers are disparaging. Steve Spurrier’s called more passing plays inside the red zone and the offensive line, plagued by injuries and inconsistency, hasn’t performed.

Mike Davis through 5 games (2013): 92 carries, 614 yards, 8 TD

  • vs. North Carolina: 12 carries, 115 yards, TD
  • at Georgia: 16 carries, 149 yards, TD
  • vs. Vanderbilt: 17 carries, 77 yards, TD
  • at UCF: 26 carries, 167 yards, 3 TD
  • vs. Kentucky: 21 carries, 106 yards, 2 TD

Through 5 games (2014): 80 carries, 368 yards, 3 TD

  • vs. Texas A&M: 6 carries, 15 yards (played first half)
  • vs. East Carolina: 18 carries, 101 yards, 2 TD
  • vs. Georgia: 17 carries, 66 yards
  • at Vanderbilt: 17 carries, 82 yards
  • vs. Mizzou: 22 carries, 104 yards, TD

Kentucky, Saturday’s opponent, has given up the second-fewest rushing touchdowns (2) in the SEC this season and is giving up just 137 yards per game on the ground.

“They do a lot of blitzes and they line up in odd (man fronts) a lot,” Davis said. “We just gotta be ready.”