Nick Saban previews Iron Bowl, what it means for Kalen DeBoer, Alabama

Despite its implications, the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn transcends the College Football Playoff or any other postseason game to those within the state of Alabama.

In what will be Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer’s first time coaching in one, Nick Saban — who coached in 17 Iron Bowls — made sure to explain why the matchup means so much on both sides of the aisle.

“There’s a huge advantage for the home team in this game. We were 7-1 when we played at Alabama,” Saban said on ESPN College GameDay ahead of Week 14. “We were 5-4 when we played at Auburn, but I think Kalen DeBoer has a huge job in front of him in terms of getting his players ready to play this game. They had College Football Playoff aspirations, and now that’s maybe not the case. But this game is really important to the people in the state of Alabama.

“When you’re born in Alabama, you have a birthright. You’re either going to be for Alabama or you’re going to be for Auburn. You grow up that way with great passion, so this is a big game to a lot of people, and it’s a big game to the players.”

That isn’t to say that the Crimson Tide is entirely out of the playoff race despite suffering a third loss heading into Week 14. Currently No. 13 in the latest batch of CFP top 25 rankings, a win over in-state rival Auburn is mandatory for DeBoer and company.

Alabama is the favored party heading into the matchup, and despite Auburn’s losing record to this point in the season — they’re one win away from becoming bowl eligible. There would be nothing sweeter for the Tigers’ fanbase than to see their team to earn its right to the postseason by downing the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.

Of course, that’s easier said than done as Auburn hasn’t won inside Bryant-Denny Stadium since 2010. DeBoer and company will look to keep it that way heading into kickoff, which is set for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC.