[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Arkansas wasn’t the only team that entered Saturday’s game at Bryant-Denny Stadium hearing grumbles about its passing offense.

Alabama and junior quarterback John Parker Wilson had been solid but less than spectacular while opening the season with easy victories over Western Carolina and Vanderbilt. The fact Wilson hadn’t thrown a touchdown pass was particularly upsetting to the Crimson Tide faithful.

For one night, at least, Wilson silenced his critics, completing 24 of 45 passes for 327 yards and 4 touchdowns, including the game-winner with eight seconds to play in a stirring 41-38 victory over Arkansas.

Wilson also threw two interceptions that led to 10 Arkansas points, but his heroics in the final 2: 00 of play prompted a raucous celebration.

Wilson completed 7 of 9 passes for 51 yards during the 73-yard, game-winning drive.

The last pass was a 4-yarder to senior Matt Caddell in the back corner of the end zone. Caddell didn’t have a catch in Alabama’s first two games, but he made nine for 91 yards against Arkansas. That total included four grabs for 41 yards on the final drive.

“People made plays,” Alabama Coach Nick Saban said. “Caddell made plays, John Parker made good throws, and our offensive line gave us time by picking up the blitz.” Wilson was able to find soft spots in Arkansas’ coverage early in the drive, then delivered some quick strikes at the end as the Razorbacks began blitzing on each play. That was the case on the scoring pass to Caddell, too.


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