Saban: Execution needs to improve in passing game

Alabama wide receiver Mike McCoy strode free on an underneath route across the middle of the field just beyond the Georgia 20-yard line, as the Crimson Tide tried to recover from a 10-point deficit with seconds remaining in the first half.

John Parker Wilson never saw him. Instead, the junior quarterback overthrew one of two covered receivers in the end zone that series, and Alabama - after marching 46 yards to the Bulldogs 23 - had to settle for a field goal.

"If we hit that pass right there, we're probably going to get a first down and have a chance to get a touchdown," Coach Nick Saban said.

It wasn't the only time Wilson overlooked or overthrew receivers on critical downs Saturday in Alabama's 26-23 overtime loss to Georgia. Saban just hopes Wilson can learn from it and consistently perform the way he did in a career-game against Arkansas.

"Instead of setting our feet and getting the ball to (receivers), we overthrew a couple," Saban said. "We made some good throws out there. But I think we can play with more consistency in terms of improving as a player and not being so result oriented with what you're doing but taking what the defense gives you."

Wilson also misfired twice, including a pass down the sideline to Matt Caddell, as the Crimson Tide failed to gain a yard during its overtime possession.

"The key to (overtime) is when you play offense first, you have to be aggressive and score a touchdown," Saban said. "We didn't throw it to the right place."

Said Wilson: "We just have to execute better. I missed Matt. I think I could have hit him, but that's the way it goes."

Shortcomings in the passing game also led to a deficiency on third downs - the Crimson Tide converted 3 of 15 attempts - allowing Georgia to gain nearly a 9-minute advantage in time of possession.

Wilson failed to complete passes five times on third down, once on fourth and was sacked once on third down.

"We weren't able to keep drives going," Saban said. "And we had too many circumstances where we couldn't keep the ball for seven, eight or nine plays and change field position. That was disappointing."

McCoy said the passing offense doesn't flounder like this in practices. He attributes Saturday's struggles to a lack of synchronicity.

But McCoy, Wilson and the rest of the offense can count on some rigorous workouts to ensure it doesn't happen again.

"We have too many good skills guys here to not have a good passing game," Saban said. "That's something we have to work on."

Bryan App can be reached at 740-5730 or bryan.app@timesdaily.com.