The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter is a weekly podcast focusing on Illinois Fighting Illini sports.
After a disappointing week, Mike Carpenter tries to pick up the pieces with Illini basketball. What will it take to turn things around? How much of these issues start at the top with Brad Underwood? Oh, and some good news - past Illini teams that have overcome rough starts to Big Ten play.
The slide continues for Illinois basketball as they fall at home to Ohio State and former Mr. Basketball E.J. Liddell. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react during a second-half rally that fell short, and a game that exposed many short and long-term concerns for the Illini.
Without a mid-week Illini basketball game, Mike Carpenter answers questions from listeners. Topics include: starting Andre Curbelo, post-Ayo and Kofi roster, 3-point shooters from the '90s, short and long-term expectations for Bielema, gut-wrenching losses, most exciting wins, best modern rock bands, amazing concerts, and much more.
Illini basketball won't get to cleanse their palette with a win against Nebraska, which gives Mike Carpenter a full week to wonder how much (if at all) fans need to recalibrate expectations. Meanwhile, Bret Bielema shores up his coaching staff and starts to generate some recruiting momentum.
That's gonna sting. Illinois loses at home to a Maryland team without their starting point guard, taking an unexpected hit in the Big Ten race. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react to the disappointing effort.
That . . . was awesome. The Illini outscore Northwestern 53-13 in the second half to win their 5th Big Ten game. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose enjoy one of the best halves of Illinois basketball ever (after a 5-minute diatribe from Carp at halftime). Enjoy!
Bret Bielema lands his first high school (Josh McCray) and transfer commit (CJ Hart) of his tenure, while Illini fans await the official word on a defensive coordinator. Mike Carpenter also digs deep on his #StartCurbelo campaign, and how it can be the difference in winning a Big Ten title.
The Illini stretch their winning streak to 3 with an uneven, occasionally exasperating performance against Purdue. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react to the good, the bad, and the U-G-L-Y during the second half.
Mike Carpenter reflects on the year that was, while looking forward to "the great release" of 2021. Despite the darkness of 2020, there were some silver linings to be found in Illini sports and beyond.
New faces join familiar ones for Illinois football, as Brandon Peters announces his return along with three offensive linemen. Meanwhile, Bret Bielema hires Tony Petersen as OC and Bart Miller and OL coach. Later, Mike Carpenter catches up with Sean Harrington about Big Ten and Illini hoops.
