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

Crimson and Creamed (01/19/23)

Just when you thought Illini basketball figured things out, they lose at home to Indiana 80-65. Mike Carpenter reacts to a puzzling and frustrating performance, where a quick 4-0 start evaporated into a 20-point Hoosiers lead. Going forward, how should Illinois basketball set their expectations for a team whose only consistent quality is . . . being inconsistent?

Golden WHOA-phers (01/16/23)

Illini basketball continues their hot streak with a dominant 78-60 win over Minnesota. Mike Carpenter reacts during the 2nd half as Illinois turned a 3-point lead into 20+ with contributions from almost everyone. Matthew Mayer's torrid shooting, Dain's magic footwork, and high effort from everyone get the team over .500 in Big Ten play.

Yeah, We’re Back (01/13/23)

Illinois basketball comes up clutch with a 75-66 win over Michigan State, riding a 34-16 win in closing time and improving to 3-3 in the Big Ten. Mike Carpenter was wired and couldn't go to bed, so why not do a postgame pod? With the help of viewers on the YouTube Live feed, he discusses key performers for the Illini, including Matthew Mayer's hot shooting, Dain Dainja's down-low dominance, and Coleman Hawkins doing it all down the stretch.

We’re Back? (01/10/23)

Illinois wins their 2nd Big Ten game in a row 76-50 at Nebraska. Mike Carpenter reacts during the 2nd half, as the Fighting Illini stretch a 5-point lead into a 26-point winning margin. Terrence Shannon drops 25 points, while an ensemble cast contributed along the way. Next up: a massive home game against Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans on Friday night.

Breaking Badger (01/07/23)

Illinois gets off the schneid with a much-needed 79-69 win over the Wisconsin Badgers. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half, as the Fighting Illini saw high-scoring performances from Terrence Shannon, Coleman Hawkins and Jayden Epps. A day after Skyy Clark left the team for personal reasons, are things trending in the right direction? Meanwhile, Bret Bielma's football program lands 4-star WR Malik Elzy from Chicago.

Crappy New Year! (01/05/23)

Illini football and men's basketball ring in the new year with losses, one of them tough (Reliaquest Bowl vs. Mississippi State) and the other a complete embarrassment (at Northwestern). Fresh from a trip to Tampa, Mike Carpenter reacts to both, with extra vitriol directed at Brad Underwood's crew for yet another rock bottom performance. 

CU in Tampa! (12/30/22)

Mike Carpenter is ready for the Reliaquest Bowl, capping off a successful second season for Bret Bielema's program. He discusses Illini football's resurgence in 2022, from an October to remember to a November to forget, and why a win over Mississippi State would be more than just a cherry on top. Also, Luke Altmeyer commits to Illinois with 3 years of eligibility left, and a new DB coach is named. Finally, Brad Underwood's basketball squad showed signs of life before resuming Big Ten play next week.

It’s Broken (12/22/22)

Illinois basketball suffers one of its worst non-conference losses ever . . . in the Braggin' Rights game, no less. Mike Carpenter skipped the 2nd half reaction and cut into halftime with his response, marveling at the ineptitude of Brad Underwood's team against Missouri and questioning just what the hell is going on.