Running game helps Wilson, passing game

An overpowering offensive line and slew of interchangeable running backs have done more than just help Alabama’s running game this season.

Along with the fact that Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram have combined for more than 1,700 yards on the ground and 17 rushing touchdowns this season, quarterback John Parker Wilson is on pace to throw 164 fewer passes and cut his interception total in half from 2007.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban said the Tide’s ball-control ground game has resulted in better passing situations for Wilson, taking pressure off the senior to force the ball downfield.

“His judgment and decision making has all been a real positive for us,” Saban said. “His efficiency is better; his interceptions are down. It’s really the kind of team we’ve developed into. We’ve got a good offensive line, good runners and we’ve been effective as a running team.”

Alabama has only attempted a pass 36 times on third downs that needed seven or more yards to convert this season, well below last year’s number of 74. The Tide’s third-down conversion rate is also nearly 5 percent better than in 2007.

Wilson said the ability to pick up positive yards in the running game on first and second down has allowed him to be more efficient this season.

“That running game helps the passing game more than anything,” he said. “When you don’t have to throw as much and you can run the ball, it’s so much easier. They’ve got to put an extra guy down and there’s not as many guys in coverage.”

Wilson also boasts the fourth best completion percentage in the SEC at 59.1 percent, the highest of his career.

Arenas on offense

Saban said starting cornerback and return man Javier Arenas could be asked to use his agility and explosiveness on a different side of the ball next season.

“That might be something that we think about in the future,” Saban said. “But we have not considered that [for this season].”

He also said that with Arenas playing such a big role on special teams as well as defense, it might be too much to throw offensive responsibilities on him as well this year.

“His plate is pretty full with the role that he plays on our team right now,” Saban said. “[He does] punt return, kickoff return, plays every snap of defense and plays two entirely different positions as a defensive player.”

Arenas is fifth on the team with 49 tackles this season and has scored three touchdowns on one interception return and two punt returns.

Oakley out until at least bowl game

Alabama senior wide receiver Will Oakley injured his collarbone after falling down two flights of stairs last weekend.

Saban said Oakley had successful surgery on his collarbone this week, and that he will be out for at least the next couple games, but could possibly be back for the Tide’s bowl game.