The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

1/29/25 Hour 2: Any concern over Nebraska matchup for Illini?; Kofi Cockburn to have jersey honored before UCLA game

Lon and Derek discuss whether they have any concern over the Illini's matchup against Nebraska being a potentially sneaky road spot. Later, the guys talk about Kofi Cockburn's honored jersey announcement and reflect on his incredible Illini career.

1/29/25 Hour 1: Bielema's latest Twitter beef with Harbaugh & Michigan; Illinois Bracketology projections

Lon and Derek discuss Bret Bielema once again getting into it on Twitter, this time with Jim Harbaugh and Michigan. The guys also share their thoughts on some of the latest Bracketology projections for lllinois, including a potential matchup with an in-state foe.

1/28/25 Hour 2: Which Illini needs to catch fire offensively the most?; Coaching candidates for Iowa, Indiana, North Carolina

Derek and Kyle discuss which Illini player would be most important to break out of their offensive slump down the stretch of the season. The guys also share their opinion on whether Fran McCaffery has run his course at Iowa and brainstorm some potential candidates for Iowa, Indiana and North Carolina should those jobs come open.

1/28/25 Hour 1: Mike Palm (Circa Sports) on Super Bowl betting; Are the Eagles a likeable Super Bowl foe to Chiefs?

Derek and Kyle discuss some college hoops results from the night. Later, Mike Palm from Circa Sports joins the show to talk about Circa's Super Bowl squares and other betting opportunities. The guys also discuss whether or not the Eagles are a likable enough challenger to the Chiefs to rally behind.

1/27/25 Hour 2: Orange Krush beef on social media? Indiana hoops turmoil continues; Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl

Lon and Derek discuss some recent social media beef between Illini fans and the Orange Krush and some criticism of State Farm Center's environment. They also discuss the latest instance of turmoil within Indiana basketball involving Luke Goode. Later, the guys react to the Chiefs advancing to yet another Super Bowl.

1/27/25 Hour 1: Illini right the ship with revenge over Northwestern; Morez Johnson breaks out without Ivisic

Lon and Derek break down the Illini's much-needed bounce back victory over Northwestern and how Illinois was able to respond after ugly loss to Maryland. The guys also discuss Morez Johnson's breakout performance and his importance during the upcoming stretch.

1/24/25 Hour 2: How can Illinois survive without Tomislav Ivisic?; Adjustments we want to see in Northwestern rematch

Derek and Kyle discuss what Illinois needs to do to survive if they have to play without Tomislav Ivisic for more games and who needs to step up in his absence. Later, the guys share the adjustments they're looking for in the Illini's rematch against Northwestern and give their picks for Illinois-NW and NFL Conference Championship weekend.

1/24/25 Hour 1: Illinois gets run off its home court by Maryland; What happened and how concerning is it in the bigger picture?

Derek and Kyle break down Illinois' alarming 91-70 home loss to Maryland and what led to the Illini getting dominated without Tomislav Ivisic. The guys also discussed how concerned they are with the Illini's recent stretch of play as it relates to their bigger picture outlook.

1/23/25 Hour 2: How will Illinois combat Maryland's frontcourt duo?; Piper talks Illini's international recruiting efforts

Derek and Kyle continue to break down the Illinois-Maryland matchup and discuss how they anticipate Illinois will try to combat Maryland's frontcourt duo of Julian Reese and Derik Queen. Later, Derek shares his insight on the Illini's recent international recruiting efforts and some names to watch.

1/23/25 Hour 1: Previewing Illinois-Maryland; How important is this game for Illinois?

Derek and Kyle preview the Illini's matchup with Maryland and what challenges the Terps could present to Illinois. The guys also discuss what kind of response they expect from Kasparas Jakucionis and how important a bounce back win is for Illinois.

1/22/25 Hour 2: First impressions of Ben Johnson after introductory presser; Impact of Ivisic's passing on Illini offense

Derek and Kyle share their first impressions of new Bears coach Ben Johnson after his introductory press conference and Piper starts to get some real hope for the future in Chicago. Later, the guys discuss Dan Hurley's comments to an official and the impact that Tomislav Ivisic's passing has had on Illinois' offense of late.

1/22/25 Hour 1: Ohio State shakes up Big Ten race at Purdue; How can college hoops fix some of its officiating issues?

Derek and Kyle discuss Ohio State going into Mackey Arena and beating Purdue to shake up the Big Ten race. Later, the guys also discuss Brad Underwood's comments about KJ and the officials and how college basketball can solve some of its officiating problems.

1/21/25 Hour 2: Aaron Leming (Bear Report) on Ben Johnson hire, pairing with Caleb Williams; Buying any non-title contenders in the Big Ten?

The Bear Report's Aaron Leming joins the show to share his thoughts on the Bears hiring Ben Johnson, his pairing with Caleb Williams, and what could be next for the Bears over the offseason. Later, Derek and Kyle talk a little Big Ten and if there are any teams among the non-title contenders that they're buying.

1/21/25 Hour 1: Ohio State takes home national title; Who would be Illini's College Gameday guest picker?

Derek and Kyle discuss Ohio State taking down Notre Dame to win the national title and Illinois' opportunity to host the defending national champs for the second straight season in 2025. The guys also brainstorm who could be the Illinois Celebrity Guest Picker if College Gameday comes to Champaign.

1/20/25 Hour 2: Illini bench stepping up; NFL Playoffs thoughts, CFP National Championship preview

Derek and Kyle discuss the impact the Illini bench made against Michigan State and its recent stretch of impactful play. Later, the guys share some thoughts on the NFL Playoffs up to this point and preview the National Championship Game between Ohio State and Notre Dame.

1/20/25 Hour 1: Illinois falls to Michigan State; Breaking down the foul calls and impact of KJ's absence

Derek and Kyle break down the Illini's loss in East Lansing and share their opinions on the officiating and impact of KJ's foul trouble. The guys also break down what went wrong with KJ off the floor down the stretch.

1/17/25 Hour 2: Do the Illini get it done in East Lansing?; Lamar or Josh Allen?; Rick Horton at Cardinals Caravan

Derek catches up with Cardinals radio broadcaster Rick Horton at Cardinals Caravan. Later, Lon and Derek give their thoughts on the Ravens-Bills matchup on Sunday and who should be the MVP. Later, the guys give their picks for Illinois-MSU.

1/17/25 Hour 1: Michigan's loss at Minny huge for Illini; Title IX's impact on revenue-sharing

Lon and Derek discuss Michigan's loss at the buzzer in Minneapolis last night and how much that helps Illinois' Big Ten title chances. Later, the guys discuss the latest news on revenue-sharing in college athletics.

1/16/25 Hour 2: Izzo says Illini look like "the Celtics or the Lakers"; Issac Trotter (247Sports/CBS Sports)

Lon and Derek talk about Tom Izzo's comment on Illinois and his angle there. Later, Derek talks with Issac Trotter about Illinois-MSU, the Illini's blowout win at Indiana and more.

1/16/25 Hour 1: Early thoughts on Michigan State-Illinois; Lon tells Cardinals stories

Lon and Derek begin talking some baseball, Bob Uecker and Lon tells some Cardinals stories. Later, the guys take an early look at Michigan State after its 10th straight win last night.