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More SEC News

• Kentucky's Harris still in hospital
• Tuberville steps down at Auburn
• Kentucky's Cobb doubtful for bowl game

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Even though Alabama is tied for the Western Division lead with LSU heading into today's game in Tuscaloosa against the Tigers, no team in the West has blown as hot and cold as the Crimson Tide.

Much of the inconsistency can be linked to the up-and-down play of 'Bama quarterback John Parker Wilson.

In Wilson's two best games this season, wins over Arkansas and Tennessee, he completed 61.5 percent of his passes, averaged 345 yards, threw seven touchdowns and three interceptions, and was sacked three times.

In Alabama's four worst performances of the season - losses to Georgia and Florida State, a three-point win over Ole Miss and a six-point win over Houston - Wilson completed 55.4 percent, threw four TDs and two interceptions and was sacked nine times.

Wilson is coming off his best performance. Two weeks ago, before Alabama's open date, he completed 32-of-46 passes for 363 yards, three TDs and one interception in a 41-17 bashing of Tennessee.

For the first time in awhile, Wilson looked poised, settled and was mostly on target with his throws.

"I think the fundamentals have a lot to do with it," Wilson said. "I think we've gone back and really practiced the basics. I think with me, it starts with my feet. When I'm in rhythm, I do a pretty good job.

"It's just guys making plays is what it is. (Against Tennessee) they were just getting open, and it really wasn't tight coverage or hard throws."

Senior receiver Matt Caddell said the fact that Wilson was able to make a couple of plays early against the Vols raised his confidence level.

"I think he got really excited when he ran for the first down, and then he came back and threw the ball to Nikita (Stover)." Caddell said. "That was my favorite play. I just saw him out there having fun, like he does in practice. I think he's going to build on that."

Alabama coach Nick Saban said he's noticed Wilson has more of a grasp of the offense, and understands his coaches trust him more now.

"I think the fact that he makes quick decisions, gets the ball out of his hands quickly and also has been very accurate and made good decisions are all things that have contributed to his success," Saban said. "But it's not just because of him. I think the entire offensive team - the receivers have done a nice job, the line has done a nice job, and everyone has elevated their level of confidence."

"I'm sure there'll be some discussion over the next few weeks," Tuberville said. "He (Jacobs) pretty much got it right: When we signed a contract a few years ago, it was a commitment on both sides. That's all I can tell you about it."

What Boone is banking on is that Orgeron's program comes out of its slumber like Kentucky has done with Rich Brooks and Mississippi State has begun to do under Sylvester Croom. Brooks and Croom were both 4-20 in SEC play their first three years, ranking them 11th on the all-time worst start list.