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 defensive 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.

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

Tuesday, linebacker Joseph Peterson discussed Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron.

Today, cornerback Brent McClendon will discuss trying to defend wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Cooper, a sophomore, is 6-foot 1-inch, 202 pounds and will be a challenge for McClendon, who is 5-9, or Demarius Matthews, who is 5-10.

Jacksonville State picked on both cornerbacks in the last game with one-on-one matchups in which they tried to throw either jumpballs, assuming their taller wide receivers would come down with the passes, or by using their size to shield off the smaller McClendon and Matthews.

Minter said last week that he expects Alabama will try to use similar tactics.

Cooper has nine catches this season for 100 yards. He has played in three games, starting two. I picked Cooper because of his size and speed, instead of Christion Jones, who is Alabama’s leading receiver with 17 receptions for 210 yards.

Q: What makes him dangerous?

A: He’s a good route runner, very good speed, great hands. 

Q: How does he compare to the receivers you have gone against?

A: I’ve gone against a lot of good receivers.

Q: What is the key to containing him?

A: Stay on top of the routes, just play really good defense.

Q: Can you elaborate on what you meant when you said he’s a good route runner?

A: He knows how to get in and out of breaks. Knows how to run his routes with depth. Good all-around. Great job being coached.

Q: Can you describe your interception against Jacksonville State two weeks ago?

A:  It was a deep ball; he did a double move. He did a hitch and go. I was running next to him. We both caught the ball simultaneously. I came out with the ball. We both had it at the same time.

Q: When did you see the ball?

A: Maybe a split second before it landed into our hands.

Q: Do you think Alabama will try the same tactic?

A: I expect they will do what they’ve been doing, taking deep shots.

Q: What do you remember about the first game?

A: Just being in Bryant-Denny stadium, happy to be part of the experience, playing against Mark Ingram, Julio Jones.

Q: How did you do against Julio?

A: They didn’t throw the ball to him when I was guarding him, so I guess fairly well.

Q: Do you want any souvenirs from this game to remember playing the No. 1 team?

A: No, just a win.