Iowa's version of 'Touchdown Jesus' (and other notes)

MIAMI -- In a season of wild, nutty, gut-wrenching plays, the "Immaculate Interception" is sort of a forgotten.

And, yes, linebacker A.J. Edds did get a hand on it, too.

It went Edds getting backside pressure and getting a hand on the ball before it left Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell's hand. Then, Iowa D-tackle Christian Ballard got a hand on it. It bounced off an IU lineman and then off Chappell's forearm.

It took another glance off Edds' shoulder before it ended up in safety Tyler Sash's hands. He was free and clear for an 86-yard TD that turned an Indiana lead into an amazing Iowa comeback.

"I've probably seen it 10 times and about five times the day after the game," Sash said. "The ball was parallel with my face and I just reached up and took off with it. It was a crazy play." 

There's a picture of the play outside of the defensive backs meeting room at the Hayden Fry Football Complex in Iowa City.

Now remember, the game was played on Halloween. Apparently, someone wearing a Jesus costume is visible in the background, just over Sash's shoulder.

"Coach (Kirk Ferentz) said it's a miracle," Sash said. "Someone dressed up like Jesus is in the background. It's hilarious. Coach says it's a miracle and the picture of me returning it, Jesus is right in the background. It's kind of funny."

Ferentz brought up the play when asked about the season's memorable moments on Friday.

"I just saw it this morning, coincidentally," he said. "When you have a good season, you need some moments like that. Guys hustling around and the ball comes to him and, boon, he just takes off. We certainly needed it at that time. Things weren't looking good."

So, now Notre Dame isn't the only team with a "Touchdown Jesus."

Stanzi update -- Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi sat out some of Wednesday's practice, but, after Thursday's day off, was back on the field.

Ferentz said Stanzi is the starter for Tuesday's Orange Bowl and that no one has been ruled out for the game, including offensive lineman Dace Richardson, who's fighting to comeback from a broken leg suffered Oct. 24 against Michigan State.

"I wouldn't say he's full speed right now. He's sore, but he's working," Ferentz said. "Hopefully, he'll get to play some."

Triple option victories -- Navy and Air Force, both of which use versions of the triple option, were victorious in their bowl games. Navy topped Missouri in the Texas Bowl. Air Force beat Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Georgia Tech, as you probably know, runs the triple option.

"It's part of the family tree, it's a tough offense to defend," Ferentz said.

A Spike Lee Joint -- Famed director Spike Lee spent some time with Iowa players at the Fountainbleau on Thursday afternoon.

Lee was very gracious with his time and made quite an impression on a few players.

"He's a great, humble guy," defensive end Adrian Clayborn said. "He stayed around for a long time and shook everybody's hand. He said a few words to everybody, it was great."

"Do the Right Thing" is arguably Lee's most famous movie. It was made in 1989, before a lot of the Hawkeyes were even born. The players knew who he was and certainly knew Lee is one of the biggest New York Knicks fans around.

Clayborn said his favorite Lee movie was "He Got Game," the examination of college basketball starring Boston Celtics star Ray Allen.

"He interacted with the players, that was a big thing," Ferentz said. "I know he's a big Knicks fan. Hopefully, they've got him converted, give him a college football team to follow, too. Sounds like he was great with the players. That's a neat thing."

Balcony at midnight -- Here's what Ferentz did at midnight on New Year's Eve.

"I stuck my head out of the window," he said. "I was more into the Charlie Rose interview with the genius behind the new movie ("Avatar"), James Cameron. I was really kind of more into that. I haven't seen the movie, but I'm a big fan of Charlie Rose. That grabbed me a little more than the concert. I stuck my head out to see what I could see. I saw some people dancing on the stage." 

Five sophomore RBs -- Ferentz isn't there yet, obviously, but when the Orange Bowl ends, he'll have four sophomore running backs vying for playing time next season -- Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher, Jewel Hampton and Jeff Brinson.

This is the first public glimpes of Hampton, who suffered a torn ACL in June. He's being going through sprints and looks like he could play. (He won't. He's taking a redshirt and isn't eligible until next season.)

"I walked out with Jewel today," Ferentz said. "It'll be good to have him return. We've never had too many good players at any one position here. I hope it becomes a problem, but I don't know if it will be."  

NFL update -- Clayborn talked about his decision to stay in school. He believes he's still a "work in progress" on the football field.

Clayborn announced before Christmas that he's returning for his senior season in Iowa City next year.

"It was a big relief," Clayborn said. "I was thinking about it everyday, getting an agent. Others called me everyday. It was a drain on me during finals week and going through school. It was just really stressful and I wanted to get it over with. I felt like I needed to comeback and get more experience. I want to get another year under my belt."

Ferentz said it's a personal decision for all of his players, including offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga and defensive back Amari Spievey.

"We think his best football is ahead," Ferentz said.

And no, no update on Bulaga and Spievey.

"Not to knowledge," Ferentz said. "If they have (made a decision), we'll find out. Your guess is about as good as mine right now."