The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

1/11/24 Hour 1: Isaac Trotter (247Sports) on Illinois-MSU & how the Illini stack up nationally with/without Shannon; Imagining Belichick on a different sideline

Lon and Derek begin the show talking about Bill Belichick and the Patriots parting ways, and what it would look like with him on another sideline. The guys also give their initial thoughts on Illinois-MSU before being joined by Isaac Trotter for 247Sports to talk more hoops.

1/10/24 Hour 2: Aaron Leming (Bear Report) on Eberflus, Getsy & Fields; Stephen Brooks (Spartan Tailgate) previews Illinois-MSU

Lon and Derek are joined by Aaron Leming of the Bear Report to talk about Matt Eberflus keeping his job, Luke Getsy getting fired and Justin Fields' future. Later, the guys catch up with Stephen Brooks from Spartan Tailgate to preview Illinois' clash with Michigan State on Thursday.

1/10/24 Hour 1: Bears retain Matt Eberflus; Nebraska takes down No. 1 Purdue; Underwood talks MSU

Lon and Derek start the show discussing the Bears' decision to keep Matt Eberflus and fire Luke Getsy, while also hitting on Nebraska's upset win over No. 1 Purdue last night. Later, hear from Brad Underwood as he previews Thursday's game against Michigan State.

1/9/24 Hour 2: Luke Goode on close loss to Purdue, boxing out Zach Edey & thoughts on MSU; What should happen with Justin Fields?

Luke Goode joins the guys to discuss last Friday's close loss at No. 1 Purdue and what he expects against Michigan State this Thursday. Later, Lon and Derek talk about the Bears-Packers result and what should happen with Justin Fields.

1/9/24 Hour 1: The latest on Terrence Shannon Jr. & his efforts to get his suspension repealed

Lon and Derek discuss the latest happenings in the Terrence Shannon Jr. situation, including new details relating to the criminal case and also his upcoming court case against the University of Illinois regarding his suspension.

1/8/24 Hour 2: Shannon’s legal team requesting temporary restraining order; Illinois still top 10 in the AP poll

Lon and Derek talk more about what stood out in the Illinois-Purdue game, along with the Illini remaining in the top 10 of the AP poll. Later, the guys discuss The News-Gazette's report that Terrence Shannon Jr.'s legal team is filing a request for a restraining order against his indefinite suspension at Illinois.

1/8/24 J Leman Hour: Illinois-Purdue thoughts; National title game preview

J Leman joins the guys for his final show of this football season. The guys begin talking about Illinois basketball's 83-78 loss at No. 1 Purdue on Friday. Later, J breaks down the matchup between Michigan and Washington in the national title game.

1/4/24 Hour 2: Jim Root (Three-Man Weave) on Illinois-Purdue & Big Ten picture; Connor Onion on play-by-play emergence & stories

Jim Root from Three-Man Weave & Field of 68 joins Lon and Derek to discuss the Illinois-Purdue matchup and other thoughts on the Big Ten. Later, the guys catch up with play-by-play guy Connor Onion to talk about his rise in the business and his thoughts on calling the Illinois-Northwestern game on Tuesday.

1/4/24 Hour 1: Early thoughts on the Illinois-Purdue matchup; How do you guard Edey?

Lon and Derek dive into their early thoughts on Illinois and Purdue, including the key matchups and how the two sides might try to guard each other.

1/3/24 Hour 2: Luke Goode talks NW blowout, Purdue matchup & how team is handling Shannon’s absence

Luke Goode joins the guys to talk about the Northwestern win and what he expects going into Friday's game at No. 1 Purdue. He also discusses how the team is handling Terrence Shannon Jr.'s absence.

1/3/24 Hour 1: Illini dominate Northwestern; What’s this team’s ceiling without Terrence Shannon?

Lon and Derek react to Illinois' 96-66 win over Northwestern in the Big Ten home opener. The guys also talk about how the Illini's recent showings recalibrate expectations for this team without Terrence Shannon Jr.

1/2/24 Hour 2: Are the Illini ready for B1G play without Terrence Shannon?; Biggest what-ifs in Illinois basketball history

Lon and Derek preview Illinois basketball's Big Ten home opener against Northwestern and what life without Terrence Shannon looks like. Later, the guys talk about some of the biggest what-ifs in Illini basketball history.

1/2/24 J Leman Hour: College Football Playoff thoughts; What should the Bears do with the No. 1 pick?

J Leman joins the guys to break down his thoughts on two thrilling College Football Playoff semifinals games. The guys also discuss the Bears' current situation after securing the No. 1 overall pick.

12/21/23 Hour 2: Gabe DeArmond (Power Mizzou) on Braggin’ Rights; Brad Underwood audio

Gabe DeArmond of PowerMizzou.com joins the guys to give the Mizzou perspective going into Braggin' Rights. Later, hear from Brad Underwood who met with the media before taking off for St. Louis.

12/21/23 Hour 1: Is Terrence Shannon becoming Ayo-like?; College Football Playoff thoughts

Lon and Derek begin the show talking about the College Football Playoff semis. Later, the guys talk some Braggin' Rights and discuss how Terrence Shannon Jr. is starting to resemble Ayo Dosunmu.

12/20/23 Hour 2: Ryan Easterling (Illini Inquirer) on Signing Day & Illinois’ transfer portal additions; Illini signee Easton Baker joins the show

Lon and Derek catch up with Ryan Easterling from Illini Inquirer to get his thoughts on Illinois' Signing Day class and also the recent transfer additions by Bret Bielema. Later, Illini signee Easton Baker joins the show to talk about what made him want to go to Illinois.

12/20/23 Hour 1: Thoughts on Bret Bielema’s 2024 class; Luke Goode on Braggin’ Rights & strong supporting cast

Lon and Derek discuss Signing Day and their thoughts on Bret Bielema's 2024 class. Later, Luke Goode joins the guys to talk about Braggin' Rights and the strong supporting cast Illinois has around Terrence Shannon Jr.

12/19/23 Hour 2: Illini projected as a 3-seed in Bracketology; Matt Silich talks NBA

Lon and Derek discuss Joe Lunardi's latest Bracketology projection and how they feel about Illinois' current profile. Later, Matt Silich joins the guys to talk about the big storylines in the NBA, including his thoughts on the newly-fun Chicago Bulls.

12/19/23 Hour 1: Does Illinois FB need more non-con cupcakes; Tommy DeVito wins the PR game

Lon and Derek begin the show talking some Illinois football and future scheduling, including the decision on whether to load up on cupcakes or not in the non-conference. Later, the guys discuss Tommy DeVito's cool move.

12/18/23 Hour 2: Thoughts on Illinois’ win vs. Colgate; Impressive weekend for Big Ten

Derek and guest co-host Joey Wagner discuss Illinois basketball's 74-57 win against Colgate on Sunday. Later, the guys talk about what was a good weekend for the Big Ten with Purdue, Michigan State and Ohio State all winning.