Far be it for Nick Saban to be understated, yet it happened once again.

Alabama’s head coach said his team “made some stops” following a 44-13 win over No. 14 Miami on Saturday. The Crimson Tide’s defense deserved a bit more credit than that. Allow me.

Saban’s defense was outstanding. Bama allowed just 1 offensive touchdown, had a goal-line stand, held Miami to 266 yards, forced 3 turnovers and allowed Miami to convert on just 6-of-14 third downs.

Miami quarterback D’Eriq King was constantly harassed. The senior completed 23-of-31 passes, but the downfield passing game wasn’t a threat because King didn’t have time. King threw for 178 yards, a touchdown and 2 interceptions. There were times when it felt appropriate to feel sorry for King, who suffered an ACL injury just nine months ago.

Alabama’s defense also registered 4 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Bama also held the Canes to 69 yards rushing.

Yeah, they made some stops.

Alabama’s defense was in complete control early in the game as the tone was set. The defensive pressure raised the intensity level and the Canes simply couldn’t match it. How many teams would have fared better?

The scary part for Alabama’s upcoming opponents and any team with national title aspirations is that Bama should just keep getting better. Saturday was a great start.

Bama will likely have to move forward without outside linebacker Christopher Allen, who Saban said could have suffered a season-ending foot injury. While we all hope that’s not the case and Allen can return, linebacker is a position of strength for Alabama who has great depth there. Saban also noted that linebacker Henry To’o To’o should be “OK” after an elbow injury. Saban said that cramps were an issue but that there were no other significant injuries. As far as health goes, Bama should be deeper soon. Saban said defensive lineman LaBryan Ray and safety DeMarcco Hellams were held out by design but he hopes to have them back next week.

It’s understandable that most eyes were fixated on Alabama’s offense, particulary QB Bryce Young. The Crimson Tide had plenty of holes to fill on that side of the ball. You might even need to go back to the tape to truly appreciate Bama’s defense.

I’m certainly not saying that Bama is just going to be a defensive-led team. First, Alabama is too good on offense to be one-sided. Second, that’s just not how football is played nowadays. (Well, maybe it still is in Athens.) Offense is the key. Saban realized that and adapted years ago. There’s no reason to go back now.

Alabama’s offense should also continue to improve considering it has so many young players in a reloaded offense under a first-year Alabama OC Bill O’Brien. That will just give Saban and Pete Golding the freedom to be more aggressive with a lead if they desire. Or if they ever need to.

Alabama is well-coached but its players will ultimately determine if it’s time for trophy case expansion in Tuscaloosa. That’s what makes this year’s defense so awe-inspiring. It beats you man-to-man. Barring a very significant injury outbreak, Alabama will most likely be more physical than their offensive counterparts every time they step on the field. While Alabama’s offense has become more complex in recent years, Bama’s defense can simplify things and still win.

By now, you’ve surely seen the pictures of Saban grinning after the game Saturday. There’s no escaping social media. Sure, Saban was glad his offense lived up to expectations, but don’t forget who Saban is at heart. He’s a defensive coach and just confirmed what so many had claimed. Alabama’s defense will be dominant.

Saban knows how flukes can happen like the Kick-6 or the tipped TD pass against Ole Miss. He knows that there are times when you can run into a phenomenon like Cam Newton or Deshaun Watson. While outstanding players will surely emerge, no one is expected be an elite one-man show this season.

It’s far too early to don anyone a national championship, but I get the feeling we’ll be seeing that Saban grin again.