Ahead of the colossal clash between Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines, Nick Saban sat with the pressers. It was perhaps the revered HC’s most important media interaction of the season as he answered some intriguing questions. Saban, who’s a revered figure in the NCAA and NFL divisions, also showed love for his counterpart and his family.

Yes, Nick Saban also discussed Jim Harbaugh and his family as he addressed the media, a mere two days prior to the playoffs clash. While the rivalry promises to be fierce and intense with the teams going neck-to-neck against each other. Nick Saban has shared some words of admiration and shown love for his rival HC. Let’s listen to what he had to say about Jim Harbaugh and his family, especially the Wolverines’ HC father.

Nick Saban showers love for Jim Harbaugh’s father

There’s some tension in the air as the No.1 ranked Michigan Wolverines take on the No. 4 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. However, amidst the competitiveness and the raw dogged rivalry, there’s still some room for love. Nick Saban won hearts with his latest comments on Jim Harbaugh and his father during a media interaction. He spoke ahead of the big match- “Yeah I know Jim, I’ve known his family for years. I loved his Dad, when I was a young coach, his Dad was a secondary coach at Michigan. I was up and coming and trying to learn how to coach a secondary. And he was always helpful to me.”

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Jim Harbaugh’s father was a great mentor and role model for Nick Saban. This is great to see one of the senior-most coaches in the college division showing love and gratitude. While the match will be contested with valor and teams trying to push for the final spot, it’ll also be remembered for how Saban showered praises on Harbaugh and his family. As the teams look set on playing a cracker of a semifinal, this is how they are approaching the game.

Michigan vs Alabama- proving to be a box-office clash

Two teams that are invincible this season and are on course to make a statement. Which of these looks like the ideal one to win the playoff encounter? The simple answer is that both sides deserve to win. True, that Alabama came into the mix following a controversial playoff snub to FSU but they’re a strong side. Michigan, they’re having a season to remember and would also have some statements to make at the Rose Bowl.

ALSO READ: “Capable of Being a Smashmouth Team”: Nick Saban Breaks Down the Michigan Challenge in the Rose Bowl Spectacle

Talking about the venue, Alabama has a decent record at the venue with 5-1-1 and they beat their opposition the last time they played at this iconic venue. For Michigan, the stadium is a non-ideal ground and has a record of 8-12. However, this is a comeback of sorts for Harbaugh as he’d be coaching the side having played as a QB at the venue back in ’87.

WATCH THIS STORY: Beyond the gridiron: A quick look at the top college football power couples.