When Alabama began its season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Najee Harris spent the first quarter of a win against Duke on the sideline as part of a team-imposed suspension.

Even when he returned, Harris’ production paled in comparison to that of the Tide’s uber-talented wide receivers and quick-strike passing attack.

Under the shine of Bryant-Denny Stadium’s new LED lights on the third Saturday night in October, Harris no longer faded into the background of Alabama’s offense in a 35-13 win over Tennessee.

Harris gained a career-high 153 yards from scrimmage, topping his previous mark of 135 from a win over Arkansas State last season.

The junior running back also scored two touchdowns for the second time in his career, matching his best from a win at South Carolina early this season.

“I thought Najee really ran the ball well in the game,” coach Nick Saban said. “Offensive line did a pretty good job on the direct runs that really was helpful to us.”

Harris’ performance against the Vols did not feature the sort of highlight-reel catch-and-run that landed him on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” top plays after the win over the Gamecocks. Of Harris’ career-high 25 touches in the game, his longest gain was 21 yards.

But before and after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa exited in the second quarter with an ankle injury, Harris was the engine of an Alabama offense that could not seem to get its RPO-based quick-slant passing game in rhythm.

Top receivers Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy caught a combined seven catches for 113 yards, a large chunk of which came on a 48-yard lob from Tagovailoa to Ruggs. DeVonta Smith, who was suspended for the first half, caught only one pass for 18 yards in the second half.

Harris, though, set a career high with 21 rushes and gained 105 yards, his fourth-most ever. He added 48 yards on four catches. In the red zone, the Tide turned to Harris and he delivered on a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs.

“We just put on the big boy pants and we did what we had to do,” left tackle Alex Leatherwood said.

It was the fourth time in the past five games Harris, who was not available to speak to reporters after the game, has topped 100 yards from scrimmage.

As production from Jeudy and Ruggs has slowed in recent weeks, in part due to Ruggs’ hip injury suffered Sept. 28 against Ole Miss, Harris’ usage and output has increased.

Harris averaged 13 touches and 88 yards from scrimmage over Alabama’s first five games. Over the past two, he has averaged 24 touches for 143 yards. Three of his seven touchdowns this season have come during the past two games.