Satisfaction.

That has to be the feeling in the Michigan locker room after the 12th-ranked Wolverines put a hurting on No. 15 Wisconsin in the national spotlight. Yes, every win is satisfying, but this one had to feel even better.

Michigan has been knocked around by several folks in the media since the Week 1 loss to Notre Dame. Though the Wolverines had won their next five games, they didn’t have a signature victory.  Jim Harbaugh still hadn’t beaten anyone worth noting.

It happened on Saturday night. And in impressive fashion.

An eight-point favorite headed into the matchup, Michigan posted a 38-13 win over Wisconsin. And in case you’re new to B1G football, the Badgers rarely take that kind of beating.

Michigan’s rushing attack was potent, registering  321 yards, led by Karan Higdon who totaled 105. Shea Patterson wasn’t sensational, but he was consistent, completing 14-of-20 passes for 124 yards. The Wolverines got the perfect conclusion too, as backup quarterback Dylan McCaffrey ran 44 yards for the final score of the night.

If you didn’t believe so before, you should believe it now: Michigan is a serious threat in the B1G East.

The Wolverines get another opportunity to prove why next week, traveling to East Lansing to take on in-state rival Michigan State. Both teams are coming off huge wins, as the Spartans knocked off No. 8 Penn State 21-17 in Happy Valley.

Michigan’s offense may not be performing at an elite level, but the defense certainly is. And, unlike previous seasons, the Wolverines have an offensive line and a quarterback that can take advantage of turnovers and good field position. It’s made such a huge difference.

Criticism of Michigan and Harbaugh this season has been fair. After that opening loss to Notre Dame, the Wolverines haven’t had much competition on the field. But they dismantled a strong Wisconsin team on Saturday night. They made it look easy.

This has to be one of the more satisfying victories of the Harbaugh era. And with games against Michigan State, Penn State and Ohio State still left on the schedule, the wins would any get sweeter.