The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast

Winny at Minny? (11/02/23)

Mike Carpenter looks ahead to Illinois football's opportunity at Minnesota. Can Bret Bielema go 10-0 against the Gophers and position the Illini back into bowl contention? Also, Josh Whitman gets an extension as athletic director; what kind of job has he done, and how can he immediately help the football program? Finally, a reflection on Sunday's exhibition win over Kansas and what it means for Brad Underwood's team.

Illinois vs. Kansas First Half Reaction (10/29/23)

Mike Carpenter reacts during the first half of the Illinois-Kansas exhibition game, in which the Illini took a 6-point lead behind an aggressive offense, disruptive defense, and hot-shooting of Terrence Shannon Jr. For future live reaction podcasts, we'll go back to the second half model.

Angry (10/24/23)

After letting the loss to Wisconsin sit for a few days, Mike Carpenter is ready to talk Illini football again. And . . . he's angry. He discusses the 4th quarter meltdown, Johnny Newton's ejection for targeting, Bret Bielema's frustration with officials, and the overall inability of Illinois football to build positive momentum.

Live at Pour Bros: Illinois vs. Wisconsin Preview (10/20/23)

Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose podcast live from Pour Bros. in Downtown Champaign to kick off Homecoming weekend. They preview a massive opportunity for Bret Bielema's Illini as the Wisconsin Badgers come to town. Also, they discuss Brad Underwood's 2023-24 Illinois basketball team ahead of a season-opening exhibition game.

It’s Homecoming Week! (10/18/23)

Mike Carpenter is back from Vegas and excited for a big Homecoming matchup between Illinois and Wisconsin. He discusses how the Maryland win can be massive for Bret Bielema's program, and the importance of following it up on Saturday. He also analyzes the on-field performance and off-the-field mental aspects that should be in the Illini's favor ahead of their game against the Badgers.

North and South of Kirby Avenue (10/11/23)

Mike Carpenter looks ahead to a not-so-favorable matchup between Bret Bielema's Illini and Mike Locksley's Terrapins. He also discusses the apparent lack of accountability from the coaching staff, and questions whether or not Illinois fans will see anything different on the field this Saturday. Next, he begins the pivot to basketball season by pondering what level of success fans are comfortable with in the Brad Underwood era.

Unmitigated Disaster (10/08/23)

Illinois football is 2-4 with no signs of turning things around. Mike Carpenter discusses another putrid performance, this time at the hands of Nebraska and first-year coach Matt Ruhle. With another half of the season to go, can Bret Bielema's team do anything to regain the momentum they've lost? And, going forward, where does Illini football with in with an expanding Big Ten conference?

Now or Never (10/05/23)

Mike Carpenter looks ahead to a true must-win game for Bret Bielema's Illini. With Nebraska in town for a Friday night matchup, can Illinois get back to .500 and give themselves a puncher's chance at bowl eligibility? Or, will another disappointing effort bury their bowl chances . . . and potentially have negative long-term consequences for the Bielema era? Also, we look ahead to the 2024-28 Big Ten football opponents list.