
The Drive is your daily Illini sports podcast from ESPN 93.5. Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone cover Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball, Illinois Fighting Illini football, the Chicago Bears, Cardinals, Cubs and the biggest sports stories in Champaign-Urbana with interviews, analysis, and a lot of laughs. New episodes every weekday. 🎙️
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Episodes

Oct 25, 2024
Oct 25, 2024
51 min
Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner joins the show to preview the Illini's matchup with Oregon. Lon and Kyle discuss if they're ok taking a house money approach to this game or whether fans should be getting a little greedier.

Oct 24, 2024
Oct 24, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle share their thoughts on Brad Underwood's comments regarding Tony Bennett's retirement and his approach to the new college basketball landscape. Later, hear from Underwood as he previews his team's exhibition against Ole Miss.

Oct 24, 2024
Oct 24, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle discuss the news that Tomislav Ivisic will be available for the Illini's exhibition game against Ole Miss and whether it's a good sign for his long-term eligibility. Later, the guys share some things they'll be watching in the exhibition.

Oct 23, 2024
Oct 23, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle continue discussing some scenarios for Illinois football the rest of the season and what a bowl win would mean for the Illini. Later, hear from Bret Bielema as he discusses turning the page from the Michigan game and his team's travel schedule heading to Eugene. The guys react to Terrence Shannon Jr. not cracking the Timberwolves' rotation.

Oct 23, 2024
Oct 23, 2024
53 min
Derek and Kyle discuss what Illini fans should be rooting for the rest of the season as it relates to their College Football Playoff chances. The guys also discuss what a win at Oregon would mean, AP Poll ranking and otherwise.

Oct 22, 2024
Oct 22, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle discuss the latest injury news that puts the Caleb Williams-Jayden Daniels showdown in jeopardy and also share thoughts on who could emerge in the NFC North race. Hear from Illini defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as he talks about his defense's bounceback performance. Later, the guys react to a crazy NIL number floating around for AJ Dybantsa.

Oct 22, 2024
Oct 22, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle discuss the return of the NBA regular season and how much interest has waned with how many star players sit out. Later, the guys discuss Illinois' matchup with Oregon and their history as big underdogs.

Oct 21, 2024
Oct 21, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle share their thoughts on the Illinois win over Michigan and the statement it made about where Bret Bielema has taken the program. Later, hear from Bielema as he reflects on the day on Saturday and looks ahead to his team's trip to Oregon.

Oct 21, 2024
Oct 21, 2024
56 min
J Leman joins the show for his weekly football hour to break down the Illini's 21-7 victory over Michigan, what it was like at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, and the opportunity that lies ahead against #1 Oregon.

Oct 18, 2024
Oct 18, 2024
56 min
Lon and Derek are live at Pia's Sports Bar and Grill in Champaign previewing the Illini's huge matchup against Michigan. Hans Dee also stops by for his award-winning segment "Who Ya Got?"

Oct 18, 2024
Oct 18, 2024
54 min
Lon and Derek are live at Pia's Sports Bar and Grill in Champaign breaking down the Illini's huge matchup with Michigan and talking with special guest, former Illini defensive end Terrell Washington!

Oct 17, 2024
Oct 17, 2024
54 min
Zach Show of 247 Sports's The Michigan Insider site joins the show to share his insight on Michigan's quarterback situation and matchup against Illinois. Hear from Illini head coach Bret Bielema as he shares his final thoughts ahead of the game. Later, Derek and Kyle react to Virginia coach Tony Bennett abruptly retiring right before the season.

Oct 17, 2024
Oct 17, 2024
53 min
Derek and Kyle preview some keys for Illinois in the matchup against Michigan and what role the environment can play on the Illini's side. Later, Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner joins the show to share his thoughts on the matchup and the Illini's recent defensive struggles.

Oct 16, 2024
Oct 16, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle discuss how much the Illini's alarming second half performance against Purdue has changed their confidence level heading into the matchup with Michigan. Hear from Illinois big man Morez Johnson in an interview from Media Day. Later, the guys share some Bears and NFL thoughts.

Oct 16, 2024
Oct 16, 2024
55 min
Derek and Kyle share their thoughts on what the Illini basketball starting lineup and rotations could look like following the latest intel after the Butler scrimmage. Later, the guys discuss KenPom's preseason Big Ten basketball rankings.

Oct 15, 2024
Oct 15, 2024
54 min
Lon and Derek discuss how much NIL money Luke Altmyer could command on the open market after his big season. Later, hear from offensive coordinator Barry Lunney as he shares his thoughts on his offense's 50-point explosion against Purdue.

Oct 15, 2024
Oct 15, 2024
54 min
Lon and Derek discuss the magnitude of Saturday's game against Michigan and what it could mean for their season. The guys also talk about whether this is the biggest home game for Illinois since 2007.

Oct 14, 2024
Oct 14, 2024
51 min
Lon and Derek share their thoughts on how they're feeling following the Purdue win and initial thoughts about the Michigan matchup. Later, hear from Bret Bielema as he shares his thoughts coming off the win.

Oct 14, 2024
Oct 14, 2024
57 min
J Leman joins Lon and Derek for his weekly football hour to break down everything that happened between Illinois and Purdue that led to an OT thriller and major scare. The guys also discuss what a win over Michigan would mean and what the Wolverines will look like.

Oct 11, 2024
Oct 11, 2024
55 min
Derek arrives from Illini Basketball Media Day and fills us in on what stuck out about what was said at Ubben. Later, hear from Brad Underwood.
