Because Georgia State is playing top-ranked Alabama on Saturday, and because the Panthers are coming off a bye week in which I already asked offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski and defefnsive coordinator Jesse Minter to break down Alabama, I thought I’d do something different this week.

On Monday I asked various Panthers to provide the take on the Alabama player(s) they might be matched up against.

First, defensive tackle Theo Agnew talked about Alabama running backs T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake, as well as the offensive line.

Today, linebacker Joseph Peterson will discuss Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron. Peterson will be one of the players making calls trying to match any audibles that McCarron calls.

McCarron has led Alabama to back-to-back national championships. He has thrown a school-record 55 touchdown passes. In 2012, he set the school’s single-season mark with 30 touchdowns.

He is 29-2 as a starter. So, he has as many national titles (two) as losses.

This season, he is averaging 220.5 passing yards per game.

Georgia State is allowing 249.8 passing yards per game.

Peterson on McCarron:

“He’s a real, real, real good quarterback that we’ll be facing this week. He’s been with Nick Saban for a while, he knows the offense. He’s going to be a good guy to go against. It will be fun.”

Q: What makes him so good?

A: His work ethic. He works hard. You can see him. He gets on to his offensive line. He’s the leader of the offense.

What’s you key?

Play hard on every snap. Hopefully have a chance in the fourth quarter.

What does this mean to you, growing up in Alabama and getting to back and play?

A: It’ll be fun, going back to play the No. 1 team. Growing up an Alabama fan. It’ll be fun.

Q: Did they recruit you at all?

No, they didn’t recruit me, but it’s OK.

Q: Not even a call?

A: Not even a call, but there’s nothing wrong that. I’m just ready to play. It’s a blessing to go and play against them.

Q: How are you enjoying the defense four games into the season?

A: I’m settling in. Things are starting to slow down. I’m able to pick up the defense better and better as the week goes.

Q: What’s the key for the team this week?

A: Just go and compete, be ready to play.