Alabama’s 54-16 win against Florida in the 25th SEC Championship Game on Saturday was at the same time an uncharacteristic and quintessential Crimson Tide performance.

The Gators covered 64 yards and converted three third downs on their 10-play opening drive, which ended in the first touchdown against the Crimson Tide’s defense since October.

Averaging nearly 480 yards per game, Alabama had minus-7 yards at the end of the first quarter, while Florida gained 92 yards against the vaunted Crimson Tide defense.

Despite that discrepancy, Alabama led 16-9 after the first 15 minutes and 33-16 entering halftime.

It was an unusual performance in many areas for the Crimson Tide, but they took the lead and the momentum with something that has been a common occurrence this season.

With just over five minutes remaining in the first half, Minkah Fitzpatrick snagged a poorly-thrown pass by Austin Appleby and returned it 44 yards to give Alabama a 10-7 lead.

Fitzpatrick’s interception return was the 13th non-offensive touchdown for the Crimson Tide this season, by far the most in college football.

Alabama’s 14th non-offensive touchdown came less than four minutes later when Derrick Gore broke through to block a Florida punt, and Joshua Jacobs returned the ball 27 yards for the score.

It had been four games since the Crimson Tide scored while the offense stood on the sideline, but the long drought came to an end at just the right time.

Part of Alabama’s shining reputation must be attributed to its ability to score in all phases of the game. Dating back to last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal win against Michigan State, the Crimson Tide had scored a non-offensive touchdown in 10 straight games before its “dry spell.”

As the game progressed, Alabama’s on-field performance slowly began to resemble that which we’ve become accustomed to seeing from Nick Saban’s team.

The Crimson Tide gained 200 yards in the second half, while limiting the Gators to just 70. After missing several open reads early in the game, Jalen Hurts started picking apart Florida’s defense, and Alabama ran the ball 26 times for 174 compared to just 12 times for 60 yards in the first half.

Alabama’s slow start was unexpected, but its ability to produce points on defense and special teams kept Florida from building confidence.

The mark of any excellent team or player in any sport is the ability to find a way to win without their “A” game.

When a great pitcher’s fastball isn’t lighting up the radar on a given outing, he can strike batters out with superior location and deception. If a star basketball player’s jump shot isn’t falling, he can put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket.

Alabama’s greatest asset is its ability to get production from every facet of the game.

The Crimson Tide’s offense can be explosive and punishing when at its best. The defense is often impenetrable and demoralizing. Alabama’s “A” game is virtually unstoppable. But it is such an intricate team capable of executing almost any gameplan, that it can still earn lopsided victories on days when other good teams would be on the ropes.

This is the quality that will help Alabama in the upcoming Playoff. Non-offensive touchdowns are by no means a necessity for the Crimson Tide, who are good enough to win without them, but they are an added advantage that completes this team’s frightening makeup.

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Joshua Jacobs (25) celebrates a touchdown with teammates during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama’s future opponents can learn from Florida’s performance in the Georgia Dome and dissect the aspects that gave the Crimson Tide trouble. Any team in this year’s Playoff is good enough to execute a gameplan at a high level, and they can focus on attacking Alabama’s weaknesses.

However, there is no way to gameplan against non-offensive touchdowns. Coaches can harp on the importance of limiting mistakes and playing disciplined football, but Alabama will still get chances to make game-changing plays.

To beat the Crimson Tide, teams have to be aggressive. The Gators were aggressive when the opportunity presented itself, but couldn’t make the plays.

An aggressive mindset is a double-edged sword against Alabama. On the one hand, a team wants to show confidence and create big-play opportunities. But on the other hand, taking shots plays right into the Crimson Tide’s ability to flip the game on a single play.

Patient teams that try to limit mistakes against Alabama likely won’t get enough openings against its defense to generate many points. Teams that try for explosive plays offer the Crimson Tide more opportunities to score outside of their offense.

This year’s Alabama team would be among the best even if it couldn’t score non-offensive touchdowns the way it does.

However, the Crimson Tide showed on Saturday that their scoring capability gives them yet another tool in the belt and makes them the most complete team under Saban.

William McFadden covers the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama for Saturday Down South. For insight on these two SEC powerhouses, follow him on Twitter @willmcfadden.