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Nick Saban’s confidence in Kool-Aid McKinstry didn’t waiver after a muffed punt.
Saban was asked about it after the win. Saban said that he had the utmost confidence in the Alabama defensive back regardless of what happened.
Saban said that McKinstry wasn’t to blame for it, it was the gunner on that side of the return. It’s hard to focus on catching a punt when you have a blocker being pushed into you, according to Saban.
“What would you do? I love the guy, he’s a great returner. The gunner on that side ran into him when he muffed the punt. That’s the gunner’s responsibility,” said Saban. “You can’t look up and catch a ball and worry about someone blocking for you running into you. I’ve got every confidence in the world, he’s been a great player.”
Saban isn’t afraid to stick up for his players and that showed on Saturday. Regardless of the muffed punt, McKinstry will still be trusted.
McKinstry accounted for 3 total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in the win. He had 21 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 5 passes defended heading into Week 11.
A player like McKinstry will continue to be a staple of Saban’s defense down the stretch.
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.
