Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks are ranked No. 25 this week as the South Carolina program continues to build momentum thanks to a 4-game winning streak.

Beamer, on the SEC coaches media teleconference, spoke about how the ranking impacts the program.

“It’s significant in the fact that it’s a testament to being on the right track and that we’ve got some great people in this program — coaches, players and staff,” he said. “It’s not the ultimate goal for us … but to be in the top 25 my second year here is validation. … It’s a good step as we continue to get this program where we want it to be.”

One key matchup this week is Missouri star freshman Luther Burden.

“It’s a big issue,” Beamer said. “He’s really, really talented, obviously. Highly recruited, No. 1 receiver in the country coming out of high school for a reason. … They’ve got a lot of really good skill players out there on the perimeter that will really challenge our defense.”

Turnovers continue to be a problem for the Gamecocks, as they are -6 in turnover margin, which is No. 13 in the SEC.

“Wish I had a great answer for you. It’s disappointing because it was the same issue for us last year,” Beamer said. “Last year, we led the SEC in takeaways but we were last in giveaways. We’re trending the same way this year. … We emphasize it every single day and we have since I got here. … Some of them are going to happen. … You can live with some of those. You don’t like it, but it’s part of football. It’s decisions you’d like to have back or being careless with the ball — those are the ones that eat at you.”