South Carolina Football: 10 players the Gamecocks will need to see step up after the Bye Week
By Kevin Miller
10 players South Carolina Football must have step up after the Bye Week:
Running Back Mario Anderson
Running back Mario Anderson appears to have taken over the starting running back role for offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and running backs coach Montario Hardesty. Versatile playmaker DK Joyner began the year as the starter after moving to the position this offseason, but things haven’t worked out in the new role for #5.
Anderson has performed very well this season when given opportunities. In a game with poor run blocking against Mississippi State, Anderson fought his way to 88 yards and a bruising touchdown in which he broke multiple Bulldog tackles. In an even worse offensive line performance against Tennessee, Anderson managed to find a seam and scamper for a 75-yard touchdown to help salvage the rushing numbers for the game.
As the unquestioned best back on the team, Anderson seems set to start moving forward. The Gamecocks will need him to continue contributing on the ground and to progress toward becoming a more well-rounded running back. With the struggles on the offensive line this season, pass protection has been important for the backs, and Anderson will be needed to help keep quarterback Spencer Rattler upright.
The physical (yet deceptively fast) Mario Anderson reminds many in Gamecock Nation of former USC star Mike Davis, and he will be one of the most important offensive players for the Gamecocks down the stretch of the season.