The Alabama Crimson Tide face a must-win game against rival Auburn on Saturday if they want to keep their Playoff hopes alive.

This will be the biggest game of Mac Jones’ career, and he’ll need to play well against Auburn’s star-studded defensive line to give the Tide a chance to win.

On Saturday morning’s SportsCenter, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit explained how Alabama OC Steve Sarkisian could help Jones have success:

“This is the week we find out about Alabama without Tua (Tagovailoa),” Herbstreit said. “Mac Jones played sparingly against Mississippi State in that second half and played against Western Carolina, but now, it’s Auburn. It’s the Iron Bowl, and it’s on the road. Be a distributor. Be a point guard. Just get the ball out of your hands quickly and find guys like Najee Harris in the pass game, and let him establish the running game. Remember, that Auburn defense is outstanding up front with Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson.

“I think it’s really about him getting the ball out of his hands. Steve Sarkisian, the play caller and offensive coordinator, he’s a smart guy. He knows what’s on the other side of the ball. I think people are downplaying the ability of Mac Jones.”

That, of course, is easier said than done, but it will be interesting to see what Jones looks like, especially in the first quarter.

Can the Tide pull off a win against their biggest rivals?