Illinois football is 4-0, ranked #19, and has a primetime matchup Saturday at #8 Penn State. Mike Carpenter is still basking in the glow, opening up the listener mailbag to see what excites fans the most following Friday's big road win. He discusses the micro and macro positives, and how Bret Bielema's program is positioning itself for success in 2…

Illinois football is 4-0 after a massive win at Nebraska! Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore react during the second half and overtime as Luke Altmeyer leads the Illini to victory. Bret Bielema's squad gets their second ranked W of the year, will head into Penn State with a top-20 ranking, and now have the nation's attention midway through September.…

Illinois football is 3-0 for the first time since 2011, and with it, halfway to bowl eligibility. Best of all? They appear to be just plain old good. Mike Carpenter discusses the team's fast start ahead of a tough pair of road games at Nebraska and Penn State, and opens up the listener mailbag to see how fans are feeling after the first quarter of …

Mike Carpenter is still basking in the glow of the Kansas win ahead of Saturday's Homecoming matchup against Central Michigan. He looks ahead at the rest of the season using Kelley Ford's predictive ratings, and discusses Illini football's chances at a winning season. Then, he opens up the listener mailbag to see if fans' expectations have changed …

Illini football gets a massive win in front of a sold-out crowd, beating #19 Kansas 23-17. Mike Carpenter reacts to a perfect day and night at Memorial Stadium, and how the win not only improves the prospects for this year's team, but for the direction of Bret Bielema's program. He also opens up the listener mailbag and discusses how big this victo…

This is it - the game we've been waiting for! Illinois welcomes in Kansas for a week two grudge match with an opportunity to jumpstart a run to a bowl game. Mike Carpenter discusses how this game is massive for Bret Bielema's program in his fourth year, and how its result will impact the fan base, recruits, and short-and-long-term success of Illini…

Illinois football gets their season off to a rollicking start with a 45-0 victory over EIU. Mike Carpenter recaps the dominating win led by a balanced offensive attack, with Luke Altmeyer throwing 4 TDs and Kaedin Feagin picking up where he left off at running back. Also, Aaron Henry's defense settles in after a shaky first possession, pitching a s…

The 2024 Illini Football season is days away from kicking off against Eastern Illinois! Mike Carpenter opens up the listener mailbag to see what fans think will be Illinois football's overall record, best win, worst loss, and the MVPs on each side of the ball. He makes his final predictions for the upcoming season, and explains why a "bowl game or …

Mike Carpenter is joined by longtime co-host Trevor Vallese to discuss the upcoming Illini football season. They rank the games in order of difficulty in an effort to find six or more wins and gauge their confidence level in each of the position groups. Finally, they talk about the ceiling and floor for Bret Bielema's team, and what the different r…

Longtime 200 Level co-host Isaac Ambrose hops on to discuss all things Illini Football with Mike Carpenter. They talk about the raised floor and potential high ceiling of Barry Lunney's offense, the need for Aaron Henry's defense to be merely serviceable, and what it will take for Bret Bielema's team to reach a bowl game in 2024.…

We're just over three weeks from the start of the 2024 Illini Football season! Mike Carpenter reflects on how a disappointing 2023 looms large entering Bret Bielema's fourth season. He also discusses reasons for concern and optimism on both sides of the ball, before looking ahead to the 12-game schedule and making a prediction on Illinois' overall …

Mike Carpenter announces the upcoming release of The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey, available for pre-order now ahead of its general release in October. He details what inspired him to write the book, how the process began, and what he hopes readers will get from it. Also, a discussion of the start of fall football…

Terrence Shannon Jr. is found not guilty on the charges he faced in Lawrence, KS. Mike Carpenter reacts to the verdict and the trial itself, including a dearth of evidence from the prosecution and a strong defense from TSJ's attorneys. Also, he discusses Coleman Hawkins' huge NIL deal with Kansas State and Zakhari Franklin's commitment to Bielema's…

Brad Underwood rounds out his roster with the addition of Kasparas Jakucionis, an 18-year-old Lithuanian guard. Mike Carpenter reacts to the new commit and his impressive skill set, along with how it fits with Illinois' seven other additions. Later, he opens the listener mailbag to see how they would grade Illini basketball's offseason.…

Brad Underwood finds his rim-protecting, 3-point-shooting big after a trip to Europe, landing 7'1" Tomislav Ivisic from Croatia. Mike Carpenter reacts to the new commit which solidifies a revamped, versatile frontcourt with Ben Humichrous, Carey Booth, and Morez Johnson. He also reacts to the latest in the Terrence Shannon Jr. case, along with a lo…

Transfer portal season is fully underway, and Brad Underwood has already bolstered the 2024-25 Illini basketball roster. Mike Carpenter discusses the additions of Kylan Boswell, Jake Davis, Tre White, and Carey Booth, along with the needs for a scorer after Dante Maddox and AJ Storr go elsewhere. Also, he talks about the hot rumor of an assistant c…

Portal season has begun, and Illinois basketball has a lot of work ahead of them. Mike Carpenter reacts to the surprise commitment of Tre White, a sophomore wing from Louisville. He then discusses the biggest names circulating in the rumor mill, from hometown kid Kylan Boswell to AJ Storr, Dante Maddox, and Carey Booth. Over the next few weeks, how…

The 2024 Illinois basketball season is over, and what a memorable season it was. Mike Carpenter reflects on the 29-win team that grabbed a Big Ten Tournament Championship and made it to their first Elite Eight in 19 years. He discusses how this group of players and Brad Underwood injected fun back into the program, while setting it up for success i…

The Illinois Fighting Illini are Elite Eight Bound! They beat Iowa State 72-69 in a game they never trailed, landing counter-punches to every Cyclones run. Mike Carpenter, Isaac Ambrose, Kenton Elmore, and a crew of Illini fans react to the thrilling second half which included key contributions from Terrence Shannon Jr, Dain Dainja, Luke Goode, and…

Illini fans are reveling in their team's first Sweet Sixteen appearance in 19 years ahead of Thursday's marquee matchup against Iowa State. Mike Carpenter discusses Illinois' thrilling run through the month of March, and how this season has provided ultimate validation for Brad Underwood. He opens up the listener mailbag to see how fans are feeling…

Illinois is back in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 19 seasons! Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore react during the second half of the Illini's 89-63 rout of Duquesne. Terrence Shannon Jr. scores 30 along with Marcus Domask's 22 points in a game that was never in doubt. Soak it in, Illini fans! It's been way too long, and it feels so damn goo…

The narrowest of halftime leads turns into an 85-69 Illinois rout of Morehead State. Mike Carpenter, Isaac Ambrose and Kenton Elmore react during the impressive second half. Dain Dainja scores 21 points while Marcus Domask gets an extremely-rare NCAA Tournament triple-double. Meanwhile, Terrence Shannon Jr. adds 26 points. Next up: Duquesne for a t…

It's tournament time! Mike Carpenter reflects on Illinois basketball's thrilling run to a Big Ten Tournament Title before switching gears to March Madness. He discusses this weekend's potential matchups, from the opener against 14-seed Morehead State to a second round tilt against BYU or Duquesne. Taking a dive into the data, Mike explains why he's…

Illinois grabs a 3 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a first round matchup against Moorehead State. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react to the unveiling of the brackets, which finds the Illini in a tough East region. A potential second round matchup against BYU or Duquense awaits, while UConn and Iowa State hold the 1st and 2nd seeds.…

The Illinois Fighting Illini are Big Ten Tournament Champs! They get a 93-87 win over the Wisconsin Badgers, earning their second BTT banner in four years. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react during a thrilling 2nd half. Terrence Shannon Jr's 34 and Marcus Domask's 26 lead the way, as Brad Underwood's squad plays a complete game against a red-ho…

Illinois turns a 15-point 2nd half deficit into a 98-87 win over Nebraska, securing their place in the Big Ten Tournament Final. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose start off a bit despondent, but thanks to Terrence Shannon Jr.'s 40-point performance and an inspired half from the supporting cast, the Illini mount one of their most impressive halves in…

With the help of Dain Dainja's 18 point, 8 rebound performance and Terrence Shannon Jr.'s 28 points, Illinois survives and advances to the Big Ten Semifinal with a 77-74 win over Ohio State. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react during the second half as the Illini fall down by as many as 8. But, with inspired efforts from Dainja, Ty Rodgers, TSJ,…

The regular season is done and the postseason has begun! Mike Carpenter reflects on the 2023-24 season so far, and how this team exceeded preseason expectations and cleansed the palette from last year's disappointments. Also, he discusses Brad Underwood's performance as head coach, and how he has led Illinois basketball into its best stretch in two…

Illinois finishes the Big Ten season in style at Carver Hawkeye Arena, beating Fran McCaffery's Iowa Hawkeyes 73-61 behind Terrence Shannon Jr.'s 25 points and Quincy Guerrier's first double-double since January. Mike Carpenter reacts as Brad Underwood's team watches a 20-point lead dwindle to 4, only to close the game out strong. Next up: the winn…

Purdue was too much for Illinois yet again, pulling off an impressive 77-71 win at State Farm Center. Mike Carpenter reacts to the loss and opens up the listener mailbag to see if fans are more or less encouraged heading into the rest of March. With Iowa, the Big Ten Tournament, and March Madness looming, what are reasonable expectations for Brad U…

Illini basketball becomes the first program to win four games in a row at the Kohl Center, beating Wisconsin 91-83. Mike Carpenter reacts to the huge Quad 1 win, spurred on by Marcus Domask's 31-point performance in his home state. Terrence Shannon Jr. added 23 points, while Coleman Hawkins and Justin Harmon also score in double-digits. Next up: a …

Illinois beats Minnesota 105-97 in a historic offensive performance from both teams. As the defense continues to flounder but the points keep coming, Mike Carpenter embraces the weirdness that is the 2024 Illini. He discusses the remaining three game stretch in the Big Ten, expectations for a possible run in March, and an offense that is even more …

With the help of Coleman Hawkins 30 points, Illinois gets a much-needed bounce-back 95-85 victory against Iowa. Mike Carpenter reacts to the win which included Brad Underwood making a hockey substitution early in the second half. Illinois' defensive intensity improved, and they closed the game out strongly and provided some reasons for optimism. Ne…

Illinois chokes away another late lead in a 90-89 loss at Penn State as the same issues (bad defense, awful inbounds plays, lack of adjustments) come home to roost in brutal fashion. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react as a 7-point lead with 40 seconds to go evaporates thanks to absolute boneheaded decision-making and execution from veteran play…

Illinois bounces back with a 97-68 shellacking of Michigan, as Brad Underwood improves to 8-0 over Juwan Howard. Terrence Shannon Jr. explodes for 31 points, and the Illini team defense shows some signs of life. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half, while also discussing what this Illinois team needs to do over the next five weeks in order …

Mike Carpenter reflects on the Illini basketball season so far, which has them at 17-5 overall and 8-3 in the Big Ten. He opens up the listener mailbag to see how satisfied fans are with Brad Underwood as Illinois' head coach, and what's been most impressive through seven years at the helm. Finally, he discusses Saturday's big game at Michigan Stat…

Illinois survives an overtime scare against Nebraska 86-83. Mike Carpenter reacts during a mostly-good second half until the final 3:28 when Nebraska erased a ten-point lead. Fortunately, Illinois made enough winning plays in OT to improve to 8-3 in the Big Ten and tie Wisconsin for second place. Finally, they get some extended time off before a hu…

Illinois starts off a week of two must-win games with an 87-75 win over Ohio State, led by Terrence Shannon's explosive second half and 23 total points. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react during an impressive second half as Brad Underwood's Illini showed signs of life on defense and finished at the rim. Marcus Domask added another 23 points, wh…

Winning ugly ain't what it's cracked up to be, but it sure beats losing! Illinois fends off a pesky Indiana team 70-62 thanks to Marcus Domask's 16 points, Luke Goode's timely 3's, and a big shot late by Justin Harmon. Mike Carpenter reacts with frustration and ultimately relief. Brad Underwood's team has some things to clean up before a road test …

Illinois gets pantsed in overtime against Northwestern, taking a big hit in the conference title race and missing an opportunity for a big road win. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react angrily and remember why Northwestern annoys the living hell out of them.Mike Carpenter

Jeremiah was a . . . no, not a bullfrog. But, he is the latest top recruit to sign with Brad Underwood's Illini program. Mike Carpenter recaps a huge five-day swing for Illinois basketball: a win at Michigan, Terrence Shannon Jr.'s return, a win vs. Rutgers, and a commitment from 5-star SG Jeremiah Fears. Seven years into his tenure, Brad Underwood…

Terrence Shannon Jr. has returned to the Illinois basketball team after his temporary restraining order is granted by a federal judge. Mike Carpenter reacts to the huge news, beginning with a breakdown of Judge Lawless' decision. Then, he discusses the myriad of emotions fans will feel when watching TSJ on the court again. Finally, how will his ret…

Brad Underwood improves to 7-0 over Juwan Howard with an impressive 88-73 Illini win over Michigan. Coleman Hawkins steals the show with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Quincy Guerrier recorded a double-double, and balanced scoring propelled Illinois to a dominant second half. Next up: Rutgers comes to the State Farm Center on Sunday.…

Illinois basketball's struggles against Maryland continued, this time with a 76-67 loss in Champaign. Mike Carpenter reacts to the sloppy performance and discusses whether or not this is just a blip on the radar or something to be concerned about. With a road game at Michigan on Thursday, will Brad Underwood's Illini be able to conjure up the focus…

Illinois improves to 3-1 in Big Ten play with a thrilling 71-68 win over Michigan State. Mike Carpenter reacts to the gritty victory led by an all-around performance from Coleman Hawkins and 15 points each from Marcus Domask and Ty Rodgers. Also, he discusses the latest in the Terrence Shannon Jr. case.…

Terrence Shannon Jr. and his attorneys are filing a temporary restraining order against the University of Illinois. If granted, TSJ would be immediately eligible to return to the court. Mike Carpenter reacts to the bombshell news by looking at it from many different perspectives: TSJ and his lawyers, Josh Whitman and the athletic department, and Il…

Despite a valiant comeback, there will be no victory cigars for Brad Underwood's Illini after an 83-78 loss at Purdue. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half which saw Illinois outscore the Boilers 46-38, keyed on by Marcus Domask's 26 points, 18 from Guerrier and 16 from Goode. But Matt Painter's top-ranked squad was simply too deep and too …

To kick off 2024, Illinois basketball put together one of their best performances of the season with a 96-66 drubbing of Northwestern. Mike Carpenter reacts to the game, featuring 32 points from Marcus Domask and 20 from Justin Harmon. With a top-ten matchup on Friday at Purdue, Brad Underwood's Illini have an opportunity to seize control of the Bi…

Mike Carpenter discusses the Terrence Shannon situation after the Illinois basketball player was suspended indefinitely. Facing serious charges in Lawrence, KS, the star guard's future - both on-and-off-the-court - hang in the balance. Josh Whitman spoke to the media to clarify athletic department policy, the timeline of events, and what's next. Me…

Illinois returns to their rightful place atop the Braggin' Rights rivalry with an emphatic 97-73 victory. Mike Carpenter is joined by Andrew Wilson and Kenton Elmore for a cigar smoking, whiskey drinking garage podcast as they relish in dominant performances from TSJ and Quincy. Maybe this Illinois team is really, really good?…