In the race for the SEC West, LSU continues its fight in a top 25 matchup against No. 8 Alabama on Saturday. With all eyes on Heisman candidates Jayden Daniels and Jalen Milroe, one important matchup is starting to garner hype leading up to the game: Malik Nabers against GaQuincy “Kool Aid” McKinstry.
In a classic wide receiver versus cornerback matchup, Nabers faces his most talented opponent so far in McKinstry. As one of the top corners in the nation, the Alabama junior is predicted to be the highest drafted cornerback in the 2024 NFL draft.
Starting since his true freshman season, McKinstry has a quick recovery speed, helping him excel in press coverage. His high physicality in his bump and run play style allows him to control opposing wide receivers off the line of scrimmage.
As a consequence to his playstyle, McKinstry leaves himself open to big plays deep down the field. Physicality is important, but it could lead to penalties on big plays downfield as he tries to maintain coverage in man.
With Jayden Daniels under center, though, Nabers could be McKinstry’s kryptonite on the field. Nabers is averaging 17.5 yards per reception with at least one 20-yard catch per game. His strength is showcased in man-to-man coverage deep downfield, allowing him to use his speed to create separation along the sideline for big gains.
An important piece in one of the best offenses in the country, the junior wide receiver finds success with his elusive route running and ability to create big plays.
With other offensive stars Brian Thomas Jr, Logan Diggs and Kyren Lacy being intricate parts of the offense, Nabers may often find himself in a one-on-one matchup against McKinstry.
Nabers’ strengths line up perfectly against McKinstry’s weaknesses, shifting the advantage towards the Tigers on offense, but their matchup won’t be that simple.
Nabers’ quick speed off the line of scrimmage, combined with his impressive route running, has allowed him to pick apart opposing secondaries, but he has yet to face an aggressive bump and run play style.
McKinstry could limit Nabers from the jump with his early physicality. The Crimson Tide cornerback accelerates quickly, and his ability to judge quarterbacks in coverage will help limit Nabers’ short game.
In order for Nabers to succeed in this matchup, he’ll have to rely on his connection with Daniels for long shots down the field and his ability to convert tough catches in coverage. As the Tigers’ biggest weapon, he is bound to be targeted throughout the game regardless of McKinstry.
For both players, this matchup could greatly affect their draft stock as they are both projected to be drafted early in the first round in the 2024 draft. Considerably one of the most talented wide receiver versus cornerback matchups of the season, Saturday’s battle in Tuscaloosa could go in any direction.
