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

Pain & Gainey (12/15/24)

Illinois loses a heartbreaker at the buzzer to #1 Tennessee on a Jordan Gainey layup, 66-64. Mike Carpenter recaps the loss which came in front of a raucous State Farm Center crowd. While there were positives to take away from the Illini's performance (namely, their defense), the defeat seemed to open a can of worms about Brad Underwood. How did his personnel choices and late game decision-making impact the result? Zooming out, do his in-game adjustments (or lack thereof) lower the ceiling for this Illinois basketball team?

KJ + Tre > Tonje (12/10/24)

It's simple math, really. Illinois basketball wins their ninth straight over Wisconsin behind 20+ point games from Kasparas Jakucionis and Tre White. Meanwhile, Badgers star guard John Tonje was held in check by Kylan Boswell. A spirited effort from Brad Underwood's (especially on the boards) helped overcome a poor shooting night from long range, giving the team their first Big Ten win of the season. Next up: #1 Tennessee at the State Farm Center on Saturday, December 14.

Stop. Losing. To. Northwestern. (12/06/24)

Illinois loses at Northwestern for the third year in a row (and the second year in a row in overtime). Mike Carpenter is joined by Kenton Elmore for a special Hot Ones Challenge, trying ten different hot sauces as Brad Underwood's Illini take a 10-point second half lead, only to have Chris Collins' Wildcats take it to overtime before closing the deal. Next up: Illinois hosts Wisconsin on Tuesday night.

Reflections on the 2024 Illini Football Season (12/03/24)

Now that the dust has settled on the regular season, Mike Carpenter reflects on the 2024 Illinois football team. He discusses how this season improved upon the promise from two years ago, hinting at more sustainable success going forward. Later, he opens the listener mailbag to ask fans how their perceptions of Bret Bielema's program have changed, and what was the signature moment of the season - Xavier Scott's pick-6 vs. Kansas, overtime at Nebraska, the fake punt vs. Michigan, or Pat Bryant's game-winner at Rutgers.

Nine (W)innings (11/30/24)

Illinois football secures just the eighth 9-win season in program history with a 38-28 victory over Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Mike Carpenter reflects on the season and its implications for Bret Bielema's program going forward - from the big home wins against Kansas and Michigan to last-second heroics at Nebraska and Rutgers. The stage is set for the Fighting Illini to head to the Citrus Bowl and take on an SEC opponent.

Hog Heaven (11/28/24)

Illinois basketball notches their first quality win of the season with a 90-77 victory over #19 Arkansas. On this Thanksgiving Day, Mike Carpenter is feeling grateful for the current state of Brad Underwood's program, and they took full advantage of a nationally televised opportunity in Kansas City. Kasparas Jakucionis, Tomislav Ivisic, and Kylan Boswell led the way as the Illini maintained a double-digit advantage throughout almost the entire game. Next up: at Northwestern on Friday, December 6.

The Miracle in Piscataway (11/24/24)

Illinois football is 8-3 after a miraculous Pat Bryant touchdown with four seconds left, lifting them to a 38-31 victory at Rutgers. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of the win, as it helps Bielema's program avoid another "November Swoon" and all but punches their ticket to the Citrus Bowl. There are concerns, from the overall team sloppiness to a poor effort from Aaron Henry's defense. But, it's always better to talk about issues after a win, let alone one as memorable as this one from Piscataway, NJ.

Tide Rolled (11/20/24)

Sloppy play on both sides of the ball dooms Illinois against red-hot Alabama in a 100-87 loss in Birmingham. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as the Illini twice get it within eight, only to see the Tide respond each time. Will Riley dropped 18 points, Kylan Boswell another 17, and Kasparas Jakucionis another 15. But, it wasn't enough as Brad Underwood's team didn't have enough to counter Nate Oats' 8th ranked Crimson Tide.