College football expert and handicapper Danny Sheridan called into “The Paul Finebaum Show” on Thursday. The two discussed a few college football topics, including the impact of Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa’s season-ending injury.

When Finebaum asked Sheridan about the early line for the Crimson Tide’s clash with arch-rival Auburn, Sheridan recited the Westgate Superbook’s early line which favors Alabama by 2.5 points. Finebaum followed-up by asking what the line would be if Tagovailoa were healthy and playing in the Iron Bowl.

“I’d say (Alabama would be favored by) 6 or 7,” Sheridan told the host, saying it would be hard for the Auburn offense to keep up with Alabama if Tagovailoa were playing.

Instead of Tagovailoa, Alabama’s starter will be veteran backup Mac Jones. Sheridan pointed out that the trip to Jordan-Hare Stadium will be Jones’ first-ever road start.

“With Mac Jones, nothing against Mac Jones, it’s going to be a tough game (for Alabama),” Sheridan said.

While Sheridan sees a challenge for the Tide on The Plains, he still thinks Nick Saban’s squad belongs in the College Football Playoff discussion.

Alabama is “still one of the four or five best teams in the county – even without Tua,” Sheridan told Finebaum.

The CFP selection committee kept Alabama at No. 5 after Week 12. UA plays Western Carolina on Saturday.