Xavier McKinney on Alabama as villains: ‘We like being the hated team’
By Jake Rill
Published:
Alabama’s dominance over the past decade has led to many college football fans not being fans of the Crimson Tide.
In fact, many of those fans have a distaste for Alabama. But according to one Crimson Tide player, the team certainly doesn’t mind it.
On Monday, Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney addressed the idea that the Crimson Tide are the villains of college football.
“We like being the hated team. I know I do,” McKinney told the media, including Marq Burnett. “It makes us play better. We like the negative energy we get, and returning it with positive energy.”
Alabama improved to 9-0 after its 29-0 win over LSU this past Saturday. McKinney has 40 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions this season.
The No. 1 Crimson Tide will look to continue their roll when they host No. 18 Mississippi State this Saturday. The Tide and the Bulldogs are set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
