The Drive on ESPN 93.5

9/14/23 Hour 2: Recalibrating the Illini football schedule after 2 weeks of action - should expectations change?

Derek and Kyle discuss whether or not Illinois fans should recalibrate their expectations about the Illini football season after 2 weeks and run through the rest of the schedule to see if their opinions have changed on the rest of the Big Ten.

9/14/23 Hour 1: Daniel Gallen (Lions247) previews Penn State; Can Illini correct issues against this caliber of opponent?; Bielema audio

Daniel Gallen from Lions247 joins the show to break down Penn State's roster and the challenges Illinois is going to face on Saturday. Derek and Kyle discuss how realistic it is for Illinois to correct its issues against such a talented opponent. Later, hear from Bret Bielema as he shares some final thoughts ahead of the game.

9/13/23 Hour 2: Illinois faces tough task against Penn State; What needs to change to give themselves a chance?

Derek and Kyle discuss the Illini's matchup against 7th ranked Penn State and what changes they would like to see to give Illinois a chance at the upset. Hear clips from coordinators Aaron Henry and Barry Lunney on how their units need to improve.

9/13/23 Hour 1: Closer look at the MLB playoff race - where do the Cubs stack up and what teams look most dangerous?

Derek and Kyle take a deeper dive into the MLB playoff race with a few weeks left to play and size up the Cubs' chances along with some of the other contenders.

9/12/23 Hour 1: Rodgers out for season after Achilles injury; NFL Week 1 winners and losers

Derek and Kyle react to Aaron Rodgers rupturing his Achilles and what it means for the Jets' hopes going forward. Later, the guys share their biggest winners and losers from NFL Week 1.

9/11/23 Hour 2: Luke Altmyer talks offensive struggles, bouncing back; Rapid Bears-Packers reaction

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer joins the show to discuss his team's disappointing showing against Kansas and what they're looking to improve upon against Penn State. Later, Derek and Kyle share their rapid reactions to the Packers' domination of the Bears.

9/11/23 Hour 1: J LEMAN HOUR: Breaking down the the major letdown vs Kansas & what needs to change defensively

Derek, Kyle, and J Leman discuss what went wrong for Illinois in its beatdown against Kansas including defensive struggles, starting slow offensively, and whether or not wholesale changes need to be made ahead of the game against Penn State.

9/8/23 Hour 2: Pressure’s on Illini defense against Kansas; Illinois-Kansas predictions

Lon and Kyle discuss their confidence level about the Illini defense bouncing back against Kansas and how worrisome the defensive front's performance was against Toledo. The guys give their final predictions for the Illinois-Kansas matchup.

9/8/23 Hour 1: NFL season-opener reaction; Derek Piper talks Illini and Bears-Packers

Lon and Kyle react to the Lions' opening night victory over the Chiefs and share some more Illinois-Kansas thoughts. Later, Derek Piper joins the show to preview the big Bears-Packers showdown and his feelings about Illini football.

9/7/23 Hour 2: Confidence in Illini defense rebounding against Kansas; What could a 2-0 start mean for the rest of the season?

Lon, Kyle, and guest Jason Thompson discuss how they're feeling heading into Illinois football's game against Kansas and how confident they are that the Illini defense will rebound from Week 1. The guys share their thoughts on what a 2-0 start could mean for the rest of the Illini season.

9/7/23 Hour 1: Is it finally the Bears’ time to take over the Packers?; NFL Week 1 whip around

Lon and Kyle whip around the Week 1 slate of games in the NFL, including whether or not they think the Bears can finally overcome the Packers.

9/6/23 Hour 2: Biggest concerns heading into Illinois-Kansas matchup; Matt Tait (Wave the Wheat) previews Jayhawks

Lon and Kyle share their biggest concerns heading into Illinois football's Week 2 matchup with Kansas and what needs to happen to shut down the Jayhawks' explosive offense. Later, Matt Tait from Wave the Wheat joins the show to share further insight into Kansas.

9/6/23 Hour 1: Cubs continue to roll- how dangerous can they be in the playoffs?; Henry, Bielema discuss tough Kansas matchup

Lon and Kyle discuss the Cubs' stretch of dominance of how dangerous they could potentially be in a playoff series. Later, hear from Aaron Henry and Bret Bielema as they share thoughts on this week's difficult matchup against Kansas.

9/5/23 Hour 2: Luke Altmyer joins the show to discuss Illini debut; Feelings coming out of Toledo win

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer joins the show to share his thoughts on his Illini debut, the environment at Memorial Stadium, and the week ahead. Later, Lon and Kyle share their feelings about the Toledo win and the Illini's season outlook.

9/5/23 Hour 1: J LEMAN HOUR: Takeaways from season-opening win over Toledo & assessing struggles at line of scrimmage

J Leman joins the show for his weekly hour to break down everything about the Illini's 30-28 win over Toledo including Luke Altmyer's impressive debut, struggles up front, and areas for improvement heading into a big game against Kansas.

9/1/23 Hour 2: Live from Pia’s!

9/1/23 Hour 1: Live from Pia’s!

8/31/23 Hour 2: Former Illinois Associate AD Kent Brown in studio (Part 2); Aaron Henry speaks on first game as defensive coordinator

Former Illinois Associate AD Kent Brown finishes up in studio talking about the 1983 football team and some other Illini thoughts. Later, Illinois DC Aaron Henry speaks about what he's instilling in his young defense and Derek and Kyle discuss the test that the Illini defense will face against Toledo.

8/31/23 Hour 1: Bielema announces starters at key position battles; Former Illinois Associate AD Kent Brown in studio to reflect on 1983 team

Derek and Kyle share their thoughts on some starters being named after fall camp position battles for Illinois football and what they're anticipating at some key spots. Later, former Illinois Associate AD Kent Brown stops by the studio to share some memories about the 1983 Illinois football team who'll be honored against Toledo.

8/29/23 Hour 2: Jeremy Werner (Illini Inquirer) talks all things Illini football ahead of the opener; Bielema on start of season

Jeremy Werner from Illini Inquirer joins the show to discuss a variety of Illini football topics ahead of the team's season opener against Toledo and shares his expectations for the season. Later, hear from Bret Bielema as he talks about beginning the season and the mindset of his team.