Coming into the game, Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper was priority No. 1 for the Missouri defense.

While the SEC’s leading receiver didn’t go for another 200 receiving yards, he was still very effective and targeted often by quarterback Blake Sims. Cooper finished the game with 12 receptions for 83 yards.

After the 42-13 loss, Missouri defensive back Aarion Penton gave his evaluation on the Alabama playmaker.

“He’s a good player and everybody know it but nothing special,” Penton said the Montgomery Advertiser. “It’s not like he can’t be stopped.”

Alabama didn’t hit Cooper for any long passes downfield, but he was primarily used on quick passes and jet sweeps in order to neutralize Missouri’s pass rush. Cooper’s 12 receptions is the most in SEC Championship history and he also became the SEC’s all-time leader for receptions in a season (115).

Cooper was kept somewhat quiet in the second half, catching only two passes. However he left his mark with a crucial third-down catch and run that gave the Crimson Tide a big first down in the fourth quarter deep in Alabama’s own territory.

Penton qualified his statement by saying Cooper “might be the best receiver in the conference” but added there are ways to stop him.

Cooper’s incredible junior season will garner several awards and recognitions following the season, including a possible Heisman Trophy finalist invitation. His 115 receptions and 1,656 receiving yards are tops in college football.