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

Mike Carpenter attempts to pick up the pieces after the Illini get smoked at Wisconsin. After watching Illinois' upcoming opponents look good in their Big Ten debuts, what can Lovie Smith do to turn the tide? 

In the opening game of the Big Ten season, Lovie Smith's Illini gets wafflestomped by the Wisconsin Badgers 45-7. Mike Carpenter is joined by co-hosts Harry Black, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose as they react to one of the worst performances of the Lovie Smith era.

On the eve of a Friday night tilt between Illinois and Wisconsin, Mike Carpenter discusses the big opportunity for the Illini in the Big Ten season opener. Later, he analyzes the short-term and long-term expectations of the Lovie Smith era as it enters year five.

The countdown to Illini football is down to single digits, while the Illini basketball schedule begins to take shape. Mike Carpenter analyzes how the non-conference can firm up the basketball team's tournament seeding, and the unique opportunity for Lovie Smith's team opening at Wisconsin on a Friday night.

Titled in honor of the great Eddie Van Halen, Mike Carpenter is buzzing after a huge Bears victory over Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Fifteen days away from the season opener, what should expectations be for Lovie Smith's Illini as they take on the Wisconsin Badgers?  

Illinois basketball is putting the finishing touches on its non-conference schedule. Mike Carpenter is excited at the possibility of Baylor, a top ACC team, and the Thanksgiving holiday "multi-team event" at the State Farm Center. Meanwhile, Lovie Smith's squad is 18 days away from their season opener at Wisconsin.

On the day Illinois football returns to padded practice, Mike Carpenter is relishing the ridiculous amount of live sports: MLB Playoffs, NBA Finals, the undefeated Chicago Bears, and college football. In the midst of a pandemic, sports mean more than ever, even though COVID-19 remains a lingering threat for pro and college leagues.

The ghost of Chief Illiniwek was awakened after the Orange and Blue Belted Kingfisher passed the UIUC student senate. Mike Carpenter analyzes the age-old mascot argument, along with the possibility Big Ten football completes its season uninterrupted. Finally, may Illinois basketball be on the verge of a big 2021 addition?