The Drive on ESPN 93.5

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.

8/29/23 Hour 1: Big Ten football kicks off Thursday night; Kyle Rowland (Toledo Blade) previews Toledo

Lon and Derek discuss what they'll be watching when Nebraska and Minnesota kick off the Big Ten football season on Thursday night. Later, Kyle Rowland from the Toledo Blade joins the show to preview the Illini's Week 1 opponent Toledo.

8/28/23 Hour 1: J LEMAN HOUR: Illini WR Isaiah Williams joins the show; Previewing the 2023 season and expectations

Illini WR Isaiah Williams joins the show to discuss the upcoming season and what he's seen out of QB Luke Altmyer. Later, Lon, Derek, and J Leman preview the 2023 season and share their expectations for the first game against Toledo.

8/25/23 Hour 2: Official The Drive record predictions (Part 2); Bielema, Newton, Randolph, Barnes discuss end of training camp and team captains

The guys finish going game-by-game through the Illini football schedule and give their official record predictions for the 2023 season. Later, hear from Bret Bielema about the final day of training camp and Johnny Newton, Keith Randolph, and Tarique Barnes about being named team captains.

8/25/23 Hour 1: Biggest storyline for Illini football heading into Week; Official The Drive record predictions (Part 1)

Lon and Derek share the biggest storylines they're watching for Illinois football heading into the start of the season. The guys go game-by-game through the Illini schedule and give their official predictions for the 2023 season.

8/24/23 Hour 2: Reflecting on Bill Self’s exit from Champaign

Lon and Derek reflect on Bill Self's exit from Champaign in 2003 and what could've gone differently at the time. Derek shares his thoughts on why this year is the right time to welcome Self back.

8/24/23 Hour 1: What’s the deal with Jonathan Taylor?; Lon’s drinking the Illini football Kool-Aid

The guys discuss the trade rumors surrounding Jonathan Taylor and how tough it is for running backs to get paid in today's NFL. Lon shares why he's drinking the Illini football Kool-Aid as the season inches closer.

8/22/23 Hour 2: How do the rest of the QBs on the Illini schedule compare to Altmyer?

Derek and Kyle break down the quarterbacks Illinois will see on its 2023 schedule and discuss how each guy compares to Luke Altmyer heading into the season.

8/22/23 Hour 1: How good does Luke Altmyer need to be for Illinois to have sucess?; Altmyer talks winning starting job

Derek and Kyle discuss realistic expectations for Illinois QB Luke Altmyer and how good he needs to be in order for Illinois to have success in 2023. Later, hear from Altmyer himself as he talks about winning the starting job.