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

Illinois vs. Texas Tech LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (11/11/25)

Despite JT Toppin's 35 points and an absolutely atrocious flagrant foul call late in the game, a gritty Illinois team finds their way to a huge 81-77 win over Texas Tech. Mike Carpenter reacts happily . . . then angrily . . . then both! . . . during an up-and-down second half. Star turns by Andrej Stojakovic (23 points) and Kylan Boswell (22 points) led the way, while Keaton Wagler looked less like a freshman and more like a seasoned veteran. The Illini get their first non-conference home ranked win since 2011, and a victory that will help them out big time come Selection Sunday.

Illinois vs. Florida Gulf Coast LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (11/07/25)

Illinois basketball scored another emphatic win, this time 113-70 over Florida Gulf Coast. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as the Illini offense steals the show. Kylan Boswell (31 points, 10 rebounds) and David Mirkovic (17 points, 11 rebounds) each nab double-doubles, while Keaton Wagler drops 22. While Tomislav Ivisic was out for the night, his brother Zvonimir nearly had a triple-double (16 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks). Next up: a huge matchup against Texas Tech at the State Farm Center.

Dominant Debut (11/04/25)

Illinois basketball kicked off their season in style with a 113-55 win over Jackson State. Mike Carpenter reacts to the undermanned-Illini's dominant debut, featuring a formidable frontcourt duo in Tomislav Ivisic and David Mirkovic, the steady veteran leadership of Kylan Boswell and Jake Davis, and big offensive performances from Ben Humrichous and Keaton Wagler. Next up: Friday night vs. FGCU.

Routgers (11/02/25)

Illinois football bounces back with a dominating 35-13 win over Rutgers. Mike Carpenter discusses the program's third bowl season in four years, an impressive bounce-back by the defense, and the continued excellence of Luke Altmyer. Next up: a bye week to rest up before Maryland comes into town.

Scarlet Fright? (10/29/25)

After an embarrassing defensive effort at Washington, Illinois football looks to pick up the pieces against Rutgers. Mike Carpenter discusses the fallout of Saturday's loss, including Bret Bielema's quotes on how much he'll be involved with Aaron Henry's gameplan. Can the Illini bounce back with a Dad's Day victory heading into the second bye week?

Defenseless in Seattle (10/25/25)

Illinois football loses 42-25 to Washington in a game featuring yet another terrible performance from Aaron Henry's defense. Mike Carpenter reacts during the fourth quarter (just after the D gave up a 3rd and 18 - yes, a 3rd and 18) and watched as the Huskies sliced and diced their way down the rain-soaked field with ease. Now 5-3, Bret Bielema's team has to quickly regroup as Rutgers heads into town, while questions about the viability of Henry as defensive coordinator will only get louder.

North by Pacific Northwest (10/22/25)

After a bye week, #23 Illinois heads out west to face Washington. Mike Carpenter discusses the ramifications a win (or loss) would have on Illini football for the rest of the season, and if Luke Altmyer and the offense can outduel the Ryan Walters-led Husky defense.

It's . . . Basketball Season?! (10/19/25)

Illinois basketball kicks things off with an exhibition game against Illinois State. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as an injury-depleted Illini show off some new toys (David Mirkovic, Big Z, Keaton Wagler, Brandon Lee) and play at the State Farm Center for the first time in the 2025-26 season.