Shane Beamer updates status of injured running back Juju McDowell

South Carolina running back Juju McDowell left Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt with an injury. McDowell is out for the game but is back on the sideline, cheering on his teammates.

Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer provided an update on the running back while speaking with the SEC Network during the second quarter.

Beamer relayed what he told McDowell after he went down.

“That I love him. That’s who he is. He is hurt, he’s done. But he’s out here celebrating with his teammates and bringing energy,” Beamer said. “That kid is everything that I want this program to be about. Hurt like heck for him, but that’s what I told him.”

Juju McDowell had one carry for two yards and one catch for 18 yards, prior to going down with the injury.

The junior was set to have an increased work load against Vanderbilt with Dakereon Joyner already out, but that won’t happen now.

McDowell entered Saturday’s game with 61 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Shane Beamer wants South Carolina team to play smarter

South Carolina is leading Vanderbilt 13-0 in the second quarter, but it hasn’t been a clean game for the Gamecocks.

Shane Beamer wants his team to start playing smarter moving forward, he told the SEC Network.

“Playing smart football, really as a team. I mean the first half of the first quarter we’ve got two dropped balls, two offsides, a kickoff out of bounds and a false start,” Beamer said. “Winning is hard, especially when you’re helping the other team. So we’ve gotta quit shooting ourselves in the foot and do a great job sustaining drives like we’re doing right now.”

South Carolina ended up having four penalties for 20 yards in the first half and Spencer Rattler threw an ugly interception in the second quarter, which Beamer was without a doubt not happy with.

Still, the Gamecocks took a two-score lead into halftime.

This is an important game for South Carolina as it looks to reach a bowl game this season. Entering the matchup, Beamer’s team was 3-6. South Carolina needs to win out to reach a bowl.

The Gamecocks have matchups remaining against Kentucky and Clemson to close out the season. The good news for the Gamecocks is both games are at home. Neither matchup will be easy, though.

The South Carolina-Kentucky game is scheduled for next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Kickoff for the Clemson matchup has yet to be announced.