Shane Beamer believes his run game has turned the corner despite some challenges.

Mario Anderson has emerged as a consistent presence in the backfield as the Gamecocks deal with a lack of depth at the position. Anderson has recorded 645 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns this season, with a huge game against Vanderbilt last week where he had 102 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Beamer had high praise for Anderson’s improvement over the course of the season.

“We’re getting there, Mario Anderson has improved,” Beamer said during the SEC coaches teleconference. “Obviously it’s a challenge right now because we’ve got 2 scholarship running backs that are out this week, 2 of our top 3, so bigger load for Mario. But we’ve been OK, not consistent enough, need to run the ball better than what we have the last couple of weeks, but I feel like we have a really solid running back in Mario that continues to get better each week.”

Anderson and South Carolina’s run game are looking for a big showing against Kentucky on Saturday. The Wildcats boast their own talented running back in Ray Davis, and Anderson is hoping to offset his production with a big game of his own.

The Gamecocks are looking to reach bowl eligibility, but have a pair of tough games to get there against Kentucky and Clemson.