Kalen DeBoer met with reporters alongside Texas coach Steve Sarkisian in a joint press conference on Sunday to preview their College Football Playoff clash.

Washington faced the Longhorns about a year ago in the Alamo Bowl. Washington pulled off the upset in that game, winning 27-20.

On Sunday, DeBoer was asked how the Huskies have changed the most since facing Texas last postseason. DeBoer gave a long and thoughtful answer about some of the various ways the Huskies have evolved.

“I think probably just another year of being in both offensive and defensive systems, special teams as well,” he said. “I think we’ve continued to improve it with our special teams play. I think our defense, I think, the latter part of last season started picking up some steam and has just continued with that consistency here this season.

“I think offensively, we’ve become not just a pass first and only pass. I think, again, at the end of last season, we got that balance toward the end of the year. And this year as we had a couple new pieces added to the offensive line and even at running back, I think here the second half of this season we’re a different team that way as well with the feeling that we can play a physical style of football and run and pass equally effective. So I think those are the areas.”

In addition to those specifics, DeBoer said he believes Washington has “raised the bar” in all areas of the game.

“I think just everything is just raised — we’ve just raised the bar in all areas,” he added. “A lot of it has to do with the continuity of our coaching staff, and the continuity of the players that are out there making plays on game day.”

Kickoff against Texas is set for 5:45 p.m. PT on Monday evening.