Alabama’s season is far from over, but while the team takes a short break for the holidays before Playoff preparation begins, it’s time to take a look back at its fifth SEC championship season during Nick Saban’s decade of dominance.

The Crimson Tide used a perfect blend of youth and experience. The youth infused a new skill set that complemented the talent already on hand to create arguably the best team Saban has ever had.

Only time will tell if this season ends with another national championship, but the Crimson Tide look poised for another magical run.

Until that begins, let’s reflect on the undefeated season and hand out a few awards.

Offensive MVP: Jalen Hurts – The freshman quarterback broke camp still in a battle with Blake Barnett, but he earned the job and became one of college football’s top first-year players. Hurts’ dual-threat ability adds a new dimension to Alabama’s offense, making it more dynamic than ever.

Hurts led all freshmen and finished sixth in the SEC in passing this season. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,592 yards with 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He’s on the verge of becoming a 1,000-yard rusher, as well.

Most important, Hurts became the first true freshman quarterback to lead his team an SEC championship. His job isn’t over, however, and Hurts will need to be at his best to help Alabama navigate a tough Playoff field.

Defensive MVP: Jonathan Allen – Returning for his senior season proved to be beneficial for this dominant pass rusher. Although his sack total dropped compared to last year, Allen became a more balanced defender and anchored Saban’s best defense to date.

The defensive end finished with 56 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and 2 touchdowns. Allen’s first touchdown was a crucial 75-yard return against Ole Miss to give Alabama a 48-30 lead, which proved to be just enough to clinch the victory. His second score came on a 30-yard fumble return late in the third quarter against Texas A&M that helped put the Aggies away.

Allen might not have had the same level of stats as a player like Reuben Foster, who was brilliant in his own right, but his ability to make timely plays earned him this spot on the list.

Rookie of the year: Jonah Williams – Because Hurts was selected as the offensive MVP, it only seemed fitting to select the freshman who has protected him so well as the team’s top newcomer. Williams has received a large amount of praise for his performance this season, and his future looks undoubtedly bright.

With Cam Robinson manning left tackle, Williams slid in on the right side and fortified that position. The Crimson Tide had a few linemen come in and out of the rotation during the season, so Williams’ stability was certainly welcome.

Alabama has had no shortage of elite linemen over the years, and Williams looks ready to become the next.

Assistant of the year: Lane Kiffin – This is close between Kiffin and Jeremy Pruitt. Both coordinators were tremendous, but Kiffin gets the nod for his evolution of the offense and work with Hurts.

It’s almost unfair how Alabama can change its offensive approach and become arguably more effective even without the proven talent of year’s past. The Crimson Tide lost their Heisman Trophy-winning running back and have already surpassed their total rushing yards from last season.

Hurts’ ability as a dual-threat quarterback gave Kiffin a new weapon to work with, and he’s made the most of it. Defenses now have to worry about a multitude of players getting the ball out of the backfield, which serves to widen the field with misdirection. Kiffin has orchestrated a great game plan this season.

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.