3 under-the-radar X-Factors for Alabama who could play pivotal roles vs. Florida State

Alabama's biggest X-Factor week-by-week right now is the development of sophomore QB Keelon Russell, who is learning on the job and gaining valuable experience. The road has been bumpy so far, particularly in the first half last week against Kentucky that saw the former 5-star turn the ball over three times. That directly led to Alabama having to overcome a four-point halftime deficit.

But obvious X-Factors aren't what we are going for here. We want guys a little more off the radar who could play a significant role in an Alabama win this Saturday against Florida State. The more unsung hero types.

We've identified three for this week:

1. Justin Hill

Florida State is not much of a threat to pass with Ashton Daniels at QB, but they do have a prolific rushing offense. Daniels is obviously a threat with the ball in his hands, and then the 'Noles have one of the nation's best running backs in sophomore Ousmane Kromah, who has rushed for 231 yards in the first two games of the season.

So what's going to be important to stop that? Setting the edge. Sophomore Wolf LB Justin Hill is a master at that. He's a big part of the Tide's rotation, even if he's technically Yhonzae Pierre's backup on the depth chart. Hill will play a lot, and his ability to set and hold the edge, while also being able to run down Daniels and Kromah, will be critical.

This play against Kentucky is a good example of the type of plays Hill is going to have to consistently make against FSU:

2. Jireh Edwards

Alabama fans got their first glimpse at 5-star freshman safety Jireh Edwards last week against Kentucky. He played just 19 days after undergoing surgery for a broken arm he suffered during fall camp.

Kane Wommack commented during the preseason that he thought Edwards could make a difference as a blitzer as a freshman. We quickly found out why in Lexington. Edwards flashed a preternatural ability to time the snap and explode into the backfield. He got his first tackle-for-loss in the second-half against Kentucky, on a play where he brought down both the QB and the RB, and pretty much took the handoff himself:

It's going to be hard to keep Edwards off the field with his motor. Against a mobile quarterback who isn't much of a threat throwing down the field, Edwards could see an increased workload as a box defender tasked with chasing down Daniels.

3. Derek Meadows

After three catches and 44 yards in the season opener against East Carolina, it looked like Derek Meadows would build off that into an even bigger role in Week 2 against Kentucky. Instead, he was shut out and was never even targeted by Russell.

But Meadows was still out there making plays as a blocker and working hard. His time is going to come. Against a Florida State secondary that has consistently been burned through two games, this is as good a week as any for him to have his breakout moment.

Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks will get the bulk of the attention from the FSU secondary, so guys like Meadows, Rico Scott, and even freshman Cederian Morgan could find opportunities down the field.

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