TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson scrambled away from defensive lineman Brandon Fanney, buying a little extra time by leading him right smack into coach Nick Saban.

Wilson was having a good enough day in the Crimson Tide’s new offense, he could get away with nearly getting his coach clobbered.

Wilson passed for 265 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Crimson to a 24-14 win over the White Saturday before an announced crowd of 78,200 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, believed to be the second most to attend a spring game nationally behind last year’s full house.

He even managed to inadvertently coax that little block from Saban, who watches the spring game from behind the quarterback. The 56-year-old one-time quarterback managed to keep on his feet.

“I think he was running a pick off me,” Saban joked. “I will wear a black shirt next year so there’s no contact on the field. The athleticism shown to get out of his way just shows you that I’ve still got it. I’ve got quick enough feet not to get run over.”

But, he added, “John Parker did that on purpose, I promise you.”

Maybe not, but he and the first-team offense did a fair job of overcoming a rough start. It was the fans’ first glimpse of the offense put in by new coordinator Jim McElwain, and of several young receivers that will likely have to play key roles next season.

Redshirt freshman Darius Hanks had four catches for 102 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown from backup quarterback Greg McElroy. Sophomore Earl Alexander had four catches, and returning starter Mike McCoy gained 101 yards on six catches.

It was a comforting sight for fans with the Tide having to replace several top receivers, including DJ Hall.

“The most important thing to come out of this scrimmage was to develop some confidence in our receiving group and have the quarterbacks come out of the scrimmage feeling good about where they are and where the passing game is,” Saban said.

Wilson’s only real blemish after a 1-of-7 start was a deflected pass that turned into Rashad Johnson’s second interception in the fourth quarter. He completed his next eight passes after that start, settling in nicely into what Saban described as a “more quarterback friendly offense.”

“We just came out and it started with little dink-and-dunk passes underneath and then it took off from there,” said Wilson, who finished 17 of 34. “Guys started making plays.

“We do some things different that I think allows for easier completions. We’re not always taking shots downfield. We’ve got some stuff underneath. When you get going, you get going.”

Saban said he has seen signs that Wilson, who made costly mistakes at times last season, has matured and isn’t trying to force the ball as much.

“He’s a great competitor, he’s a very emotional guy,” Saban said. “Sometimes you’ve got to throttle that a little bit when you’re playing quarterback so you’re always making the best decisions for your team.”

Wilson’s biggest play was mostly courtesy of tailback Terry Grant, who took a swing pass 75 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter and was voted game MVP.

McElroy completed 12-of-26 passes for 196 yards with a TD and an interception.

He and Wilson both praised the play of mostly unknown receivers. Veteran Nikita Stover missed most of the spring with a hamstring injury, including the spring game. Tailback Glen Coffee (shoulder) didn’t get into the backfield.

“I think Mike and Earl both did well,” Wilson said. “Hanks did great for their team. He was making plays all over the place. We’ve got some guys who are going to be able to make plays.”

The crowd didn’t approach last year’s record of 92,138 fans who came out to greet Saban for his “debut” at Bryant-Denny. One of their loudest cheers came before the game when the public address announcer said the lower decks were full.

Saban also cheered the turnout. A number of recruits were in the stands for unofficial visits, after all.

“This is a special day and probably as significant a day in terms of positive family atmosphere that I’ve been around anywhere I’ve ever coached,” Saban said.

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