WATCH: Jim Harbaugh, Kalen DeBoer speak ahead of CFP National Championship game

HOUSTON, Texas – Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh and Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke to the media on Sunday morning at the JW Marriott in Houston ahead of Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game.

You can watch the full press conference using the player above or over on our YouTube channel.

“I want to start by saying thank you to the CFP staff, their entire organization,” Harbaugh said. “It’s been a phenomenal experience, last week, this week, everything conducive to getting a team ready to play in such a huge game.

“Also want to congratulate University of Washington, coach Kalen DeBoer, his staff. Truly nothing but respect for the job that they have done, that Coach has done. Truly a remarkable coach. I’ve followed your career. Amazing job at Fresno State. And what you’ve done at Washington in a short period of time is truly amazing.

“And we’re honored to be here. We are going to have to play really good. We’re going to have to play really good. And I think our team is ready. Still the hay is not in the barn. It never is for us. Still polishing. Still working. But super excited, super excited to watch our players go out there and compete tomorrow night.”

DeBoer was extremely complimentary of Michigan and the program built by Harbaugh, saying that he has done a lot of film study on what the Wolverines do and what Harbaugh has done with his teams over the years.

“I’ve broken down a lot of film of Coach Harbaugh’s teams over the years, not just Michigan, but others as well. And just sharing with him,” DeBoer said. “I can remember a lot of the big plays he’s been part of at different places.

“But amazing football team that they’ve put together here over not just one year but many years and building up to this point.So it’s going to be a great game, and we know we need to be at our best. Proud of our players and our staff for the way that they’ve just continued to grind here, going into the last couple of weeks.

“It’s been a quick turnaround going from the semifinal game and a couple of flights back and forth to Seattle. But our guys have just kind of taken it all in stride and done a great job just being in the moment and understanding the preparation is critical to success on game day. So we’re looking forward to a great game. But congrats to Coach and everything that Michigan and his staff have done.”

Monday night’s game from NRG Stadium in Houston kicks off at 7:45 p.m. ET on ESPN. Michigan is a 4.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 56.5.