Radio with Kirk: It’s Polka time!

There's nothing like the first beer from a newly tapped keg, and there's nothing that compares to the beer that flows at an Oktoberfest celebration.

In Iowa we're blessed with the Amana Colonies' version of Oktoberfest, which I'll miss this weekend because of that football game in Madison. On this continent, Oktoberfest is vastly underrated. At first the polka dances and German songs seem campy. But after the first beer or two goes down, the heritage flows like a stream from the Alps. Ein Prosit.

Along with the Amanas, Iowa City's Northside has its own Oktoberfest this Saturday. Lord only knows how many are in Wisconsin this weekend (although the lots around Camp Randall Stadium will feel like one without the polka). For those of you who are going, I will be with you in spirit and have a beer in abstention. But for now Ticky, Tocky, Oy, Oy, Oy!

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Now on to Gary Dolphin, who emcees 90 minutes of Hawkeye radio tonight. Early slip-up when he says Barry Alvarez was the coach when Ronnie Harmon suffered a broken leg against Wisconsin in 1984. Later Dolph corrected himself with Dave McClain. Alvarez was still at Iowa in ‘84.

Dolph says it's been a hard-fought, physical series between Iowa and Wisconsin and credits radio sidekick Ed Podolak for calling the Badger linemen 'big old blutos up front.” Dolph flubs the pronunciation of Wisconsin RB Dare Ogunbowale six different ways. Then again, I can't pronounce it either. If Ogunbowale is like his predecessors, we'll be able to pronounce it soon enough.

Jim from Cedar Falls in Marino Valley, Calif. is the first caller. He doesn't get to listen to the show because he's in California. He likes the team's attitude but he's nervous about possible injuries at running back, linebacker and defensive end. Dolph presses for names, and Jim says RB LeShun Daniels and DE Drew Ott.

Jim also asks about the match-up between the schools. Dolph likes playing Wisconsin early because the Badgers - like Iowa - get better as the season progresses. Dolph says the teams won't fool each other and it'll come down to special teams or turnovers.

Dolph then talks about C.J. Beathard's play-making ability, his confidence and 'he gets it.” Dolph skips out on the injury talk. He'll apparently leave that to Kirk Ferentz.

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Dolph returns after a break. Talks about running backs Taiwan Deal and Dare Ogunbowale (he gave it another shot). I think he got it right this time. But if he says it with confidence, I wouldn't know any differently.

Brandon in Cedar Rapids asks about reports that wide receiver Tevaun Smith has a sprained knee. Bill in Dallas, Texas also asks about Smith. Dolph says he has not heard that report. Bill also asks about cornerback Greg Mabin and safety Miles Taylor after dings last week. Dolph thinks they're fine. But again, Kirk will update.

Tommy from Des Moines tells Dolph ‘your Pirates are getting beat 6-0.' Then only God knows what he had to say. I guess we'll leave his remark to the maker.

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Kirk's in the hizzy at Carlos O'Kelly's in Iowa City. Dolph opens with remarks on rushing defense, that only Iowa and Navy haven't allowed a rushing touchdown this year.

Dolph asks about Wisconsin running backs. Kirk recites many of the good running backs over his coaching career. Dolph goes back to QB Joel Stave, and Kirk says Stave is 'very composed.” He doesn't like the 'game manager” label. Says 'he's in total control back there.”

The conversation turns to Tanner McEvoy, now the starting wide receiver and safety. 'He's a very multitalented player. ... I wouldn't be shocked to see him (at quarterback) in a wildcat-type package.”

Ferentz goes over the do si do with Paul Chryst going from Pitt to Wisconsin and former Michigan State defensive coordinator replacing Chryst at Pitt in the off-season and playing both teams.

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Ferentz is asked about injuries. He defers with coachspeak, 'Just a part of football.” He did say that Anthony Gair had cramping issues last week against North Texas and is fine now. He didn't go into much detail about Miles Taylor and Greg Mabin but added 'everyone's making progress.”

As for tight end Jake Duzey: 'We're moving in the right direction, we're hopefully going to get there in the near future.”

Running back Jordan Canzeri has eight touchdowns thus far, but Ferentz has no plans to shut him down. If LeShun Daniels is healthy and effective, he'll play, too.

Dolph jokingly suggests shifting cornerback Desmond King to running back. That gets a snort.

'At some point we don't want to wear him out,” Ferentz said. 'He was a very good high school runner, but that would hurt us significantly defensively.”

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Anthony in Des Moines is worried that history will repeat itself with fake punt like 2010 and 'the option deal” from last year.

'I hope the ‘05, ‘09 scenarios repeat themselves,” Ferentz responds. He adds that Tanner McEvoy's TD run last year wasn't poorly defended, just a good run.

Dolph asks about opening early in the year against Wisconsin. Ferentz says he remembers a 'pretty ride” through Cascade and Dubuque on the way to Madison back in the late ‘80s. He jabs at the Big Ten schedule-makers for sending Iowa on the road to open league play about every year. In fact, Iowa has opened Big Ten play on the road in 13 of Ferentz's 17 seasons. But Kirk says going to Wisconsin is a 'good measuring stick for us.”

Bubba in Primghar asks about the sloppy reverse last week that turned into North Texas' only touchdown. Ferentz says he's tried to forget about it. Bubba likes 4-0 and wants that big 5-0. I've got eight years before I hit that mark, unlike some of my colleagues. Well, that's a different 5-0.

Kirk talks about the dropped reverse. 'We picked a bad time to have an ugly play.”

On allowing a lot of running yards in the third quarter against North Texas. 'Obviously if we play like that this week we'll get it handed to us.”

Brent in Edwardsville touts the assistant coaching staff and how Kirk represents the program. He likes Kirk and uses 'more proud” three times; I think he's called into the wrong show.

Jerry in Waukee opens with 'your linebackers have gotten better” and wonders if they can handle Wisconsin's running game. 'I tell you, we're going to find out,” Kirk retorts. He goes over the group of ‘backers. 'Taking on the best right off the bat,” referring to Wisconsin.

Kirk on running backs Taiwan Deal and Dare Ogunbowale (jokes that he leaves it to Dolph to pronounce their names). Ferentz said Deal is more physical, while Ogunbowale is more elusive. 'Both are strong, good runners as you can imagine.”

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Dave in Bettendorf likes the way C.J. passes the ball around to different players. Says Saturday's game against Wisconsin will be decided in the trenches and asks about offensive line. He wants to know what a normal Saturday is for Dolph (who says he'll go over it next week).

Kirk says offensive line was 'a big item of contention” in the offseason for everyone talking about the absence of two tackles. He seems to like the line and admits early on he was concerned with depth and it's not yet as consistent as he would like. 'We have the potential to be a real good line,” he said.

Jeff asks about Nate Meier's defensive end play and Seth Wallace's recruiting ability. Says Meier is a tough, hard-nosed guy and has learned how to play position better. He's always had a great motor but now is playing smarter. Both Dolph and Kirk forget about the recruiting question.

Jim in Council Bluffs praises Kirk on the win and starting 4-0. He predicts if Iowa can get past Wisconsin, it's clear sailing. That gets a snort.

Jackson in Iowa Falls asks about Kirk's favorite gum. At one point it was Big Red, but Kirk says his teeth are like chalk. So now he chews sugarless bubble gum.

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After a break, Dolph and Kirk revisit Seth Wallace question. Kirk talks about how recruiting has changed over the last five years, and credits him for helping Iowa move forward in that area. He's a versatile, well-rounded coach, per Kirk.

Tony in Wall Lake, Iowa. Talks about Chad Greenway's 91-yard interception return and Scott Chandler catching touchdowns plus Micah Hyde and Mike Daniels 'tearing it up” in Green Bay and wants to know if there are any NFL prospects this year.

'I think we have a few guys. It's typically like most of our years,” Ferentz said. Kirk said he told scouts he'll know about how good they are in November rather than guessing in August. He talked glowingly of Daniels and kind of chuckled when he walked in the door to see Daniels win 'Gruden's Grinder Award” on Monday Night Football this week.

The last segment starts with Randy, who loves Dolph on Saturdays and tells Ferentz to recruit a few prospects in the Belmond area.

Jane in Le Mars 'just wanted to wish the Hawks a great win in Wisconsin.” Says she's been a great fan for more than 30 years. Dolph talks about Blue Bunny ice cream (which is made in Le Mars) and asks Kirk about his favorite flavor. Kirk said he's working on a few out there. He's got an ice cream weakness. That's easy to acquire.

They wrap up with the keys to the game. Ferentz starts with offensive line. 'If you're not up to the task there, they're going to wear you out. They haven't lost a fumble yet.

'We're going to have to do a great job of blocking out the environment.”

He calls last year 'a great game,” but wants a different outcome.

Polka!

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