A dark cloud lingers over Michigan's football program after Saturday's stunning loss to Appalachian State, but coach Lloyd Carr doesn't expect his players to hang their heads.

The Wolverines host Oregon and dangerous quarterback Dennis Dixon this Saturday.

"The test of any team is how they handle disappointment," Carr said Tuesday. "I know the guys we have on this football team. They want to win. The mood is one that is dedicated to being a better football team this week."

Carr received consolatory phone calls from several coaching colleagues after the loss, though he declined to name names.

Several Big Ten coaches were surprised when they learned of Michigan's defeat. Wisconsin's Bret Bielema heard about it from an official during a TV timeout in the fourth quarter of the Badgers' opener.

"He was looking at the scoreboard," Bielema recalled. "He looked at me and said, 'Appalachian State got 'em.' "

Big Ten bits: Ohio State starting defensive end Lawrence Wilson will miss 6-8 weeks after breaking his right leg against Youngstown State. … Kirk Ferentz will coach his 100th game for Iowa on Saturday against Syracuse. "It might qualify as a miracle," Ferentz joked.