Alabama’s late stand stops Ole Miss, 24-20

Alabama running back Mark Ingram (22) flips over Ole Miss defensive back Brandon Sanders (14) for a first down during the first half in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

By JOHN ZENOR
AP Sports Writer

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – John Parker Wilson threw for a season-high 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns and No. 2 Alabama made a late defensive stand to hold off Mississippi for a 24-20 victory Saturday.

The Crimson Tide stopped the Rebels on fourth-and-5 from its 43-yard line in the final minute, when Jevan Snead’s pass to Dexter McCluster fell incomplete. He was well covered by Javier Arenas.

Alabama (7-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) scored 24 consecutive points after falling behind for the first time, 3-0, and allowing its first points in an opening quarter. Then Ole Miss answered 17 straight points and closed to within 24-20 on Joshua Shene’s 35-yard field goal with 6:09 left.