Smith’s graceful, speedy runs were the signatures of yet another offensive outburst by Alabama, which built a 35-17 lead over No. 3 Ohio State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. But Najee Harris, a tailback, added more moments to his perpetually swelling highlight reel, and Mac Jones, the Crimson Tide quarterback, didn’t let a rare miscue of a lost fumble derail him or the offensive juggernaut that has Alabama in strong position to reign over the sport once more.
For a program accustomed to championships so often built on sturdy defenses, Alabama’s approach to Monday night’s matchup was a departure from so much of its long history — but also in keeping with its recent run of record-shattering, bracingly powerful offenses that produce big plays through the air.