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

Two days after a 2OT loss to Purdue, Mike Carpenter finds the positives going forward for Illini basketball . . . along with a few concerns. Andre Curbelo's return raises the ceiling, and the backcourt continues to impress. How can Kofi get back into his groove? And, what will it take for Brad Underwood's team to win a Big Ten title?

It wasn't quite the game we imagined it would be, but thanks to Trent Frazier's heroics and strong contributions from Kofi and Plummer, the Illini close out a big win over Michigan 68-53. Mike Carpenter reacts during a celebratory podcast, and looks ahead to Monday's marquee matchup against Purdue.

On a night when nothing came easy, Omar Payne saved the day. Illinois beats Nebraska 81-71 behind Trent Frazier's 29 points and major contributions from Payne and Coleman Hawkins off the bench. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react during an up-and-down second half which ended with a 16-6 closing run by the Illini.

Five years ago, The 200 Level premiered on ESPN 93.5. Mike Carpenter takes a quick jaunt down memory lane, from the early radio days with Steve Breitwieser to the podcast version with Trevor Vallese, Harry Black and Isaac Ambrose. Also, he discusses why Illini basketball's win over Maryland is so encouraging going forward, along with a look at Illinois football's new OC Barry Lunney Jr.

Kofi Cockburn helps lead Illinois to a 76-64 win over Maryland with a dominant performance. Mike Carpenter reacts as the Illini overcome a halftime deficit thanks to hot shooting from Trent Frazier and a 2nd-half for the ages from Kofi (16 of his 23 points, 15 of his 18 rebounds). 

After nearly two weeks off, Illinois basketball returns with a dominating 76-53 win at Minnesota. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react during the second half as the Illini improve to 3-0 in the Big Ten behind Kofi's double-double and a balanced offensive attack. They also discuss the big news from the football program, as Bret Bielema fires offensive coordinator Tony Petersen.

After a stoppage due to the dreaded COVID-19, Illinois basketball is set to return on Tuesday night at Minnesota. Mike Carpenter looks ahead to a very winnable 3 game stretch before a gauntlet of quality opponents (Michigan, Purdue and Michigan State). Can Brad Underwood's Illini get off to a 5-0 conference start and compete for the regular season title?

Illinois smokes Missouri 88-63 in the 3rd largest blowout in Braggin' Rights history. Mike Carpenter reacts to the impressive win during the 2nd half as the Illini stretched a 14-point lead into the 30s. Kofi Cockburn dominated with 25 points and 14 rebounds, Plummer dropped 22, and Trent Frazier added 15.