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

Au Revoir, Gopher (10/29/24)

Humbled after a blowout loss at Oregon, Illinois football returns home to face PJ Fleck's Minnesota team. Mike Carpenter discusses the takeaways from Saturday's loss (including a few positives), and what it means for Bret Bielema's team as they enter a winnable home stretch of the season. Later, he opens up the listener mailbag to see how fans think the team will fare in their final four games.

Duck Hunt (10/23/24)

Fresh off a memorable home win against Michigan, #20 Illinois hits the road to take on top-ranked Oregon. Mike Carpenter discusses the tall task ahead of Bret Bielema's squad, currently 21.5-point underdogs, as they head to the West Coast. He also talks about how the 6-1 start eases the nerves heading into the marquee matchup, and opens the listener mailbag to see how other fans think Illinois will fare.

The Game of the Century (10/20/24)

Illinois football celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Memorial Stadium in style, beating 24th-ranked Michigan 21-7 on a perfect Saturday afternoon in Champaign. Mike Carpenter reflects on the momentous win for Bret Bielema's squad, from the Red Grange-inspired throwback uniforms to the electric sold out crowd. He opens up the listener mailbag to discuss what the victory means not just for the football program, but for a loyal fan base longing for sustained success. 
AVAILABLE NOW! The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey, by Mike Carpenter Hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook available through Amazon. LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDLFY7Y9

Ann Arbor is a What Now? (10/14/24)

It's a big week for Illini football as Michigan comes to town for the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium. Mike Carpenter is chomping at the bit for Saturday and reflects on the journey through the Bret Bielema era to get to this point. He dives into reasons why both teams can come away with a win, but ultimately believes one has a few more advantages than the other.

Boiler Ugh! (10/08/24)

Mike Carpenter returns after the bye week to preview Illinois football's matchup against Ryan Walters' struggling Purdue Boilermakers. He opens up the listener mailbag to see how Illini fans think their team will fare over the next four games, and discusses the different paths available for Bret Bielema's team to have a very good-to-great season.
AVAILABLE NOW! The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey, by Mike Carpenter Hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook available through Amazon.
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDLFY7Y9

Book Release Event w/ Lon Tay . . . and Dee Brown! (10/03/24)

Mike Carpenter welcomes old friend Lon Tay to help celebrate the release of The 200 Level book! They discuss the writing process, the last 30+ years of Illini basketball, and share memories and experiences along the way. Then, they are joined by an unplanned surprise guest - Dee Brown! - who helps to close things out.
AVAILABLE NOW! The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey, by Mike Carpenter Hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook available through Amazon.
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDLFY7Y9

Not-So-Happy Valley (09/28/24)

Illini football suffers their first loss of the season to 8th-ranked Penn State, 21-7. Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore react during the second half which saw Bret Bielema's squad hang around into the fourth quarter. Ultimately, too many ill-timed mistakes and Penn State's ability to run the ball doomed Illinois. Next up: lowly Purdue on October 12th after a bye week.

Fantastic Four . . . and Oh (09/23/24)

Illinois football is 4-0, ranked #19, and has a primetime matchup Saturday at #8 Penn State. Mike Carpenter is still basking in the glow, opening up the listener mailbag to see what excites fans the most following Friday's big road win. He discusses the micro and macro positives, and how Bret Bielema's program is positioning itself for success in 2024 and beyond.