Saban: Passing game improving

TUSCALOOSA — When it comes to his passing offense, Alabama coach Nick Saban points to "a huge improvement" in practice since the Tennessee game.

"We've worked hard on the passing game, and it shows," Saban said. "I think our players are playing with more confidence now. (Quarterback) Greg (McElroy) has done a really good job of getting the ball out of his hand on time, and I think that we've improved on pass protection."

Saban has stressed that he wants the Crimson Tide's offense to attempt more throws downfield and test the middle of the field during Saturday's 2:30 p.m. game against ninth-ranked LSU.

Alabama did not complete a pass longer than 27 yards in October.

-- STAT COMPARISON: Despite the recent outcry over a downturn in Alabama's offense, the Crimson Tide actually has better yardage totals than the 2008 unit had at this point.

After eight games, last season's offense had 1,643 rushing yards. This year's offense has 1,741.

Additionally, McElroy has thrown for 185 more yards and one more touchdown than John Parker Wilson had at this point last season.

-- PEEK UPDATE: It looks like it will be a game-time decision Saturday for Alabama tight end Colin Peek, who has been recovering this week from a sprained MCL suffered in his left knee during warmups before the Tennessee game.

Saban said on his Thursday night radio show that Peek remained "questionable for this game, at least for now."

Peek has practiced some this week but was not at full speed during any of Alabama's workouts. Saban said Alabama is prepared to play without him, and redshirt freshman Michael Williams would get the bulk of the snaps in Peek's place.

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