Alabama Football: Studs and Duds from Tide and Gamecocks

Najee Harris

The burly junior is not on this list for going over 100 yards in the running game. Harris made extraordinary plays in the passing game, adding five catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns. His last run is the stuff of legends as Harris inserted a Derrick Henry stiff arm into a defender, hurdled a tackler better than U.S. Olympic gold medalist and record-setter Aries Merritt and finished off with a sharp nose for the end zone.

Harris is the first Alabama back in 20 years to record multiple touchdown receptions in a game.

Xavier McKinney

The leader of the defense was all over the field Saturday, leading the team in tackles with nine. He committed armed robbery with an interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter, sealing the Gamecocks comeback. As conference play comes into play, McKinney’s big-play potential is warranted.

He is becoming a superstar right before our eyes.