Has South Carolina found the answer at running back? Mario Anderson makes strong case

Mario Anderson has a spot picked out at home to display the game ball he was given after Saturday’s game against Mississippi State.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer gave Anderson one of the game balls, a recognition of his performance in the Gamecocks’ 37-30 win over the Bulldogs. The S.C. native and transfer from Division II Newberry College had his best game of the season, carrying the ball 26 times for 88 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown to help seal USC’s first Southeastern Conference win of the season.

“That is going up on the dresser. I’m not going to lie,” Anderson said after the game. “That game ball meant a lot. A kid coming from Division II and everything that Coach Beamer has allowed me to do — getting one of the game balls is special.”

Anderson transferred to USC in January after a productive career at Newberry. He ran for 1,560 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, earning a finalist nod for the Harlon Hill Trophy, D2’’s version of the Heisman Trophy. He recorded more than 100 rushing yards in nine of 10 games.

Anderson came into the 2023 season third on USC’s depth chart at running back behind Dakereon Joyner and Juju McDowell.

Four games in, it looks like Anderson could be the spark the Gamecocks were looking for in the running game to help compliment quarterback Spencer Rattler. The veteran QB had another strong performance with 18-of-20 passing for 286 yards and three touchdowns.

Anderson brings a physical style of running and toughness to the position he learned from watching such NFL stars Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch and Ezekiel Elliott.

South Carolina’s running game was non-existent in the loss to Georgia last week. Beamer this week vowed that the Gamecocks needed more from its backs. Against Mississippi State, USC ran the ball a season high 47 times for 179 yards, with Anderson getting the bulk of the carries despite technically being a backup to Joyner.

Beamer didn’t go as far as to name a starter for the next game, instead choosing to say good things about all the backs, including Joyner, McDowell and freshman Djay Braswell.

“We knew Mario was going to play no matter who went out there first,” Beamer said. “We’re proud of him. ... Mario showed what he can do tonight.”

Anderson’s 26 attempts were the most by a Gamecock running back since Kevin Harris’ 31 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against North Carolina in 2021.

Anderson had eight total carries in the team’s three previous games. So, it was only natural for the Stratford High product to feel a little sore after Saturday’s game.

“The way I feel right now, I am going to cramp a little. I’m not going to lie,” Anderson said. “I still have a lot of work to do and still have a lot of things I have to clean up. ...

“But I am happy to be able to go out there and get my feet wet and show when I get the opportunity, I can seize the opportunity.”

Anderson’s teammates also were happy to see him get a chance and do well. He was mobbed by his teammates after scoring the touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“He got his opportunity and ran with it,” USC receiver Xavier Legette said.

Now, Anderson hopes Saturday’s effort can be a kick-start to his season and validates that he can play in the SEC.

“I’m blessed to be in a position to have my teammates trust me, and I trust myself to be able to go out there,” he said. “And I trust my training and to be able to perform when the opportunity comes.”