Radio unplugged: The Ferentz Show

Welcome to the radio show, where I'm the substitute teacher. Try not to shoot any spitwads at my back when I'm at the chalkboard.

Gary Dolphin opens with a nice reminisce of former Iowa safety Tyler Sash, who died tragically this week. Dolph says Sash's wake is scheduled at Fellowship Bible Church in Oskaloosa from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. The funeral is 1:30 p.m. Friday at Oskaloosa's football stadium. ISU will have a moment of silence Saturday, per Coach Kirk Ferentz. Iowa will have a decal honoring Sash this season, something different for Saturday.

Dolph talks about Sash's personality and big smile and recalled a conversation with Coach Kirk Ferentz about discovering Tyler Sash at a youth basketball game. Says Kirk wanted Bobby Hansen's opinion on Sash as a basketball player. Sash had a quick first step and always wanted to guard the opponent's best player. Dolph says that tells you about his intensity.

Dolph raves about Sash's personality, big smile and intensity for the Iowa-ISU rivalry game. Dolph struggles with the score and year when it comes to Sash's crazy, pinball interception return. Understandable considering the week. Sash came up with big plays in big games, per Dolph. Dolph recalling the players from that team. Calls Sash the centerpiece. You could have a great discussion for and against that statement, but Sash certainly was a huge playmaker.

Jim from Michigan calls first. It sounds like he's shouting on speakerphone and says 'the team showed us what kind of team they'll be this weekend.”

Sharon from Oskaloosa follows. She didn't know Tyler Sash personally, but she said he was active in the community.

Mark Heckman from Iowa Corn is a guest before Kirk Ferentz shows up. Dolph says more than 4,000 products are made from corn and adds it's 'mind-boggling.” Heckman mentions one of 10 cars are on flex fuel. Heck (pun intended), we can do it all in Iowa.

Ferentz shows up and praises the farmers in the state and mentions he took an ag course as a freshman at UConn. Says he knew little about crops then and now but raves, 'We feed the world.” Yes we do.

KF was persuaded to recruit Dave Croston by former Sioux City East Coach Walt Fiegel. Ferentz praises the high school football coaches in the state.

A caller (we'll call him Jim) says last year's game 'haunts me.” Says Iowa can start taking control of the series. Ferentz is 7-10 against Iowa State so he's making no predictions there.

Ferentz was pleased with the Illinois State game, saying 'I really liked the way our team prepared ... and showed up ready to play with good energy and good enthusiasm.” Team didn't miss many tackles, but missed scoring opportunities. He adds this week against Iowa State is a much greater challenge.

On offense, Kirk was asked about Beathard's first start and jitters. He had them, sure, but, 'You watch the way (CJB) prepares, as a coach it gives you confidence.” He liked the running back tandem and the tackles were good but 'hardly out of the woods.”

Coming out of a break, Dolph says Ohio State looked good on Monday. Ferentz said he didn't watch one play but wasn't surprised. Said Ohio State is talented from last playing the Buckeyes in 2013. The teams aren't scheduled to play until 2017. That's an unfortunate byproduct of Big Ten expansion.

Dave from Bettendorf remembers Tyler Sash as a fierce competitor and says with Brett Greenwood formed Iowa's best safety tandem. Interesting thought, definitely worth discussion. Dave also chimes in with, 'Don't let Sam Richardson get outside ...” KF says the defense must be good on perimeter again this week.”

Mark in Waterloo: Says Ferentz is his favorite coach ever at Iowa, loved the aggressiveness on Saturday and 'I think you're a Republican or something.” Mark says he's a Republican, too. Dolph jokes with Kirk ... 'to your liberal play-calling” KF doesn't bite. He knows Dems and GOP buy tix and give $$.

Tim from West Bend asks about BYU-Nebraska ending, presumes KF didn't see it. KF did in his kitchen. Tim asks about defending a Hail Mary. KF says you can make a real argument for rushing more than three defenders because you don't want to allow the quarterback to have all day long. You don't let don't let the quarterback roll to his throwing arm and you don't want a clear path to the receiver. Without saying it, Ferentz basically said Nebraska's defense was flawed on that play. The result proved it.

Todd in Centerville recalls when Sash scored five touchdowns on five touches at Oskaloosa High School. Ferentz said he's been to Centerville at least eight times, maybe 10 for a youth wrestling tournament (remember all three Ferentz boys wrestled through high school). Ferentz said it snowed or rained every time. I can commiserate. It seems to be the same when I drive to Purdue or Indiana during basketball season.

Zack in Waukee asks about RB Jordan Canzeri: KF says really missed him last year, and injuries held him back. 'I thought he was outstanding (Saturday),” Ferentz said.

Bubba from Primghar said Tyler Sash and Adrian Clayborn gave him an autograph at the Outback Bowl in Tampa. Bubba added that he still stuck with the team despite the TaxSlayer blowout and the 1,400-mile drive home.

Dolph asks a defensive question about the Illinois State game. KF had 'trepidation” going into game against QB Tre Roberson. Thought D-line played well. Encouraging to see, he says.

He says defending ISU WRs will be a challenge because they're experienced, talented and have size.

Perhaps the most intriguing anecdote of the night: longtime season-ticket holder Mike in Iowa City said he noticed the pregame Swarm was much more together unlike the previous year. Ferentz said the team practices the Swarm and former players give talks about its importance.

In the final signoff from Dolph: 'God bless Tyler Sash and the Sash family. Good night everybody.” Good ending.

l Comments: (319) 339-3169; scott.dochterman@thegazette.com