The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast
The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter is a podcast offering a fan’s perspective on Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball.
Listen on:
Episodes
Sunday Dec 18, 2022
Sunday Dec 18, 2022
Illinois football has its new defensive coordinator, promoting Aaron Henry to the position. Mike Carpenter reacts to the news, and why Bielema's decision makes perfect sense for the short-and-long term. Also, Devon Witherspoon and Sydney Brown opt-out of the Reliaquest Bowl, while fans await Chase Brown's decision. Finally, yet another eventful postgame presser adds concern for Illini basketball, as Matthew Mayer cites internal conflict between players and coaches.
Sunday Dec 11, 2022
Sunday Dec 11, 2022
It's the day after Penn State smoked Illinois at home, yet the bigger story is Brad Underwood's response after the 15-point loss. Mike Carpenter reacts to . . . well, the reaction. He discusses how much coaches should be able to hold players accountable, and whether or not Underwood's biting critiques will spur on positive changes.
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
Amidst early-season success for Illini basketball and planning for a warm-weather bowl game, Mike Carpenter is relishing the current state of Illinois sports. He discusses Tuesday's impressive comeback for Brad Underwood's team, and how dangerously high their ceiling may be. Also, he looks ahead to the ReliaQuest Bowl against Mike Leach's Mississippi State, and the ways in which this SEC matchup is favorable.
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
What just happened?! Illini basketball gets a huge win over 2nd-ranked Texas, beating them in overtime in Madison Square Garden. Mike Carpenter reacts during a 2nd-half mostly dominated by the Longhorns, until a late Illinois rally and a clutch Jayden Epps forced OT. Then, it was the Terrence Shannon Jr. Show, and Brad Underwood's team sealed the biggest win of the season so far.
Friday Dec 02, 2022
Friday Dec 02, 2022
Maryland continues to be the thorn in Brad Underwood's side with a 71-66 win over Illinois. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half, which saw the Illini grit things out and even tie it up late. Ultimately, Kevin Willard's Terrapins were too much to handle, but it's clear these two teams will be vying for the top of the Big Ten. While there are no such things as moral victories at this point, things are still trending well for Illini basketball.
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Behind a dominant 2nd half performance and Coleman Hawkins' triple-double, Illini basketball smokes Syracuse 73-44. Mike Carpenter reacts during Illinois' onslaught, marveling at their relentless defensive effort and myriad of scoring options. Up next: the Big Ten opener at 22nd-ranked Maryland.
Sunday Nov 27, 2022
Sunday Nov 27, 2022
Illinois football ends a 3-game skid with an emphatic 41-3 win over Northwestern, completing an 8-4 regular season. Mike Carpenter reflects on Bret Bielema's 2nd season, and how despite a disappointing November, the program is set up for both immediate and long-term success.
Monday Nov 21, 2022
Monday Nov 21, 2022
Normally, a weekend in which Illini football and basketball 1-2 would be a disappointment. Instead, Mike Carpenter finds silver linings in both, including an impressive showing by Brad Underwood's basketball team in Vegas and the near-upset in Ann Arbor by Bielema's football squad. Maybe it's because Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but at The 200 Level, we're feeling gratitude.