Jim Harbaugh was asked Monday afternoon whether he believed No. 10 Michigan football was the underdog entering Saturday's game at No. 14 Wisconsin. The Wolverines opened as two-point underdogs, and it quickly became three points, according to pregame.com.

Harbaugh's response: “That’s irrelevant.”

The answer was par for the course during the news conference, in which Harbaugh was short-spoken, providing brief, clipped answers to nearly all of the questions.

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One thing was clear: The Wolverines understand the challenge Saturday's game presents. Michigan has not won at Camp Randall Stadium in its past four tries, its most recent victory coming in 2001 — a fact Harbaugh brought up Monday.

“Challenge of this game is big," he said. "They’re just good every year. Seem to be every time you face them. A really talented, veteran, well-coached football team.

"And playing in Camp Randall is a tough venue, that’s a tough win to get. Haven’t won in four or five tries. This is a big game for us. Big challenge.”

Harbaugh praised Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor, who had 19 carries for 132 yards in the Badgers' 24-10 win over Michigan in 2017, and rushed 17 times for 101 yards in U-M's 38-13 home win over Wisconsin last fall.

"Yeah, he’s really good," Harbaugh said. "Can run all the assortment of runs. Elusive back. Power back. … You strive to try to contain a back like that, not a realistic thing to think you can stop him. Hope to contain and get stops and get the ball back over to the offense.”

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Harbaugh was also complimentary of Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan, who took over as the starter this offseason after quarterback Alex Hornibrook — who started the past three years against Michigan — transferred to Florida State. In two games, Coan has completed 76.3% of his passes for 564 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. His quarterback rating of 184.5 is second-highest in the Big Ten, after Ohio State's Justin Fields.

“Yeah, he’s playing well," Harbaugh said. "Recruited him and had him on campus here. Very good athlete, throws the ball very well. Very competitive. Always liked him. A lot. He’s having success and doing a very good job of starting off the season as the Wisconsin quarterback. It’s been impressive.”

What does Harbaugh think he can learn from Saturday's game?

“(You learn) what kind of a road team you are," he said. "Importance of being good. Best way to win them: be a good team.”

Contact Orion Sang at osang@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @orion_sang. Read more on the Michigan Wolverines and sign up for our Wolverines newsletter.