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Alabama Football Impact Players

Xavier McKinney to be Alabama’s defensive X-factor versus Oklahoma

Marvin Gentry - USA TODAY Sports

To defend an offense that has multiple explosive parts, having a versatile defensive back helps with neutralizing some things. 

Prior to Saturday’s meeting versus Oklahoma, Alabama players have dealt with conversations about a potential shootout between it and the Sooners.

While defensive leaders like Mack Wilson and Quinnen Williams don’t take kindly to this message, the biggest piece to the Crimson Tide’s success in Miami (Fla.) will come from its secondary. 

The duo of head coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Kyler Murray want to keep an open playbook and while Nick Saban has offensive scheme in mind, he also wants to aggravate this year’s Heisman Trophy winner in each opportunity the Sooners take the field.  

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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