Nick Saban previews Iron Bowl and what it means for Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer

Despite its implications, the Iron Bowl is in between Alabama And Auburn extends beyond the College Football Playoff or other postseason games to include games in the state of Alabama.

Nick Saban – who coached in 17 Iron Bowls – marked the first time Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer attended a game as a coach and explained why the matchup means so much on both sides of the isle.

“There is a big advantage for the home team in this game. “We were 7-1 when we played Alabama,” Saban said on ESPN College GameDay before Week 14. “We were 5-4 when we played Auburn, but I think Kalen DeBoer has a big job in that regard in front of him.” to prepare his players for this game. They had aspirations of making the College Football Playoff, and now that may not be the case. But this game really matters to the people of the state of Alabama.

“If you’re born in Alabama, you have a birthright. Either you’re going to be for Alabama or you’re going to be for Auburn. That’s how you grow up with a lot of passion, so this is a big game for a lot of people and it’s a big game for the players.”

That’s not to say the Crimson Tide are out of the playoff race entirely, although they did suffer a third loss prior to Week 14. Currently ranked No. 13 in the latest CFP Top 25 rankings, a win over in-state rival Auburn is mandatory for DeBoer and company.

Alabama enters the matchup as the favorite, and even though Auburn has one loss to this point in the season, they are just one win away from bowl eligibility. For the Tigers’ fan base, there’s nothing better than seeing their team earn their claim to the postseason by defeating the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.

Of course, that’s easier said than done since Auburn hasn’t won at Bryant-Denny Stadium since 2010. DeBoer and Co. will try to ensure that happens before kickoff, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC.