Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Tennessee

2. The Alabama offense is finally evolving into a championship unit

But defense alone can’t win championships. Alabama’s offense continues to round into form, putting up at least 40 points for the sixth time in eight wins this season. While the group is overshadowed by one of the nation’s best defenses, the Crimson Tide offense is also rounding into form as a championship-caliber unit.

Jalen Hurts didn’t even need to play three full quarters for the Crimson Tide in the blowout. The sophomore quarterback came out of the game after just 36 minutes of play, having already racked up 198 yards and a touchdown on 13-of-21 passing. He started slowly, but a few big plays boosted his numbers and gave Alabama an insurmountable lead.

Tua Tagovailoa started strong when he came on to replace Hurts under center. Though he threw a pick-six that ended Alabama’s shutout bid, Tagovailoa finished the day with 134 yards and a score on 9-of-12 passing. He showed off his wheels as well, rushing for 36 yards and an additional touchdown on the day. The youngster gained valuable experience as Alabama continues to march toward another SEC championship.

For much of the year, the talk has centered on how the Crimson Tide offense is nowhere near the same level as Nick Saban’s formidable defense. That talk has largely been overblown, more the product of other teams putting up video-game numbers than Alabama being mediocre. That talk should quiet down after another solid beatdown of an overmatched defense.