The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

10/7/24 Hour 2: Is there still hope for Illini to improve the run game?; Bielema talks bye week, Purdue

Lon and Derek discuss whether or not they still have confidence in Illinois improving its rushing attack and why Purdue is a good opportunity to do so. Later, hear from head coach Bret Bielema as he discusses what his staff has been up to during the bye and previews Purdue.

10/7/24 Hour 1: J LEMAN HOUR: How bad is Purdue?; J gives defensive insight from player's perspective

J Leman joins Lon and Derek for his weekly football hour to discuss just how bad Purdue has gotten ahead of their matchup with Illinois and shares some unique insight about what a player's defensive assignments are during a play and how the Illini's defense can improve.

10/4/24 Hour 2: Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune) talks Cubs offseason plans; Previewing the weekend of baseball, football

Meghan Montemurro from the Chicago Tribune joins the show to discuss the Cubs' disappointing 2024 season and what the offseason could entail. Later, Lon, Derek and Kyle preview the weekend ahead of baseball and football action.

10/4/24 Hour 1: Are you at all worried about beating Purdue?; Behind the scenes of the press conference process

Lon and Derek share some initial thoughts about Purdue and whether they're at all concerned about Illinois taking down the Boilers. Later, the guys discuss some of the in-and-outs of handling a press conference. 

10/3/24 Hour 2: Illini football bye week coming at a good time; Bielema on practices, recruiting; More from Media Day

Lon and Kyle take the temperature of Illinois football during the bye week and discuss why it came at a good time. Hear from Bret Bielema as he details how his team and staff will operate during the bye. Later, hear some more Big Ten Media Day content from Brad Underwood, Kylan Boswell and Ty Rodgers.

10/3/24 Hour 1: Derek Piper live from Big Ten Basketball Media Day; Underwood talks 24-25 squad

Derek Piper joins the show live from Rosemont for Big Ten Media Day to share his biggest takeaways from Brad Underwood, Kylan Boswell and Ty Rodgers. Later, hear from head coach Brad Underwood from Media Day as he discusses his team.

10/2/24 Hour 2: Mike Carpenter in studio talks new book, Illini hoops

Former 93.5 host Mike Carpenter stops by the studio to discuss his new Illinois basketball book and the current state of the Illini hoops and football programs.

10/2/24 Hour 1: Favorite playoff baseball memories; Big Ten women's basketball preseason poll released

Lon and Derek discuss the Wild Card round of the MLB playoffs and look back at some of their favorite postseason memories, particularly the 2006 Cardinals' late-season run. Later, the guys react to the Big Ten women's basketball preseason poll.

10/1/24 Hour 2: Lon & Derek sound off on Cardinals end-of-season presser; Do the Cubs need a star?

Lon and Derek react to the Cardinals' end-of-season press conference with John Mozeliak, Chaim Bloom, and the DeWitts and share their thoughts on what needs to happen going forward in St. Louis. Later, the guys discuss whether the Cubs need to find a star player to take the next step this offseason.

10/1/24 Hour 1: Preseason All-B1G hoops team released; MLB playoffs underway

Lon and Derek react to the preseason All-Big Ten basketball team and discuss whether any Illini were snubbed. Later, the guys share a brief update on the start of the MLB playoffs.

9/30/24 Hour 2: How do you feel about Illinois after five games?; Thoughts on crazy NL Wild Card race & MLB playoff picture

Derek and Kyle assess how they feel about Illinois after five games and how important the Purdue game will be after the bye. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the crazy three-way NL Wild Card race and who they like entering the MLB playoffs.

9/30/24 Hour 1: J LEMAN HOUR: Illini 4-1 heading into the bye after loss to PSU

J Leman joins Derek for his weekly football hour to recap the Illini's 21-7 loss at Penn State and discuss where Illinois needs to improve during the upcoming bye week.

9/27/24 Hour 2: How much can we start to dream if Illinois upsets Penn State?; "Who Ya Got?" with Hans Dee

Lon and Derek start dreaming again about what the Illini season could turn into if they knock off Penn State, including College Football Playoff paths. Later, Hans Dee stops by for his award-winning segment "Who Ya Got?"

9/27/24 Hour 1: Breaking down Penn State and matchups to watch for Illini; Daniel Gallen (Lions247) shares insight on Nittany Lions

Lon and Derek share their thoughts on Penn State and what some of the key matchups of the game will be for Illinois. Later, Daniel Gallen of Lions247 joins the show to share his insight on the Nittany Lions and what the Illini should expect.

9/25/24 Hour 2: Favorite Big Ten road venues; Lunney on offensive breakout vs. Nebraska, Penn State prep

Lon and Derek discuss their favorite road venues in the Big Ten across sports. Hear from offensive coordinator Barry Lunney recapping his offense's success against Nebraska and what lies ahead against Penn State. Later, the guys discuss the crazy auction price of Shohei Ohtani's 50/50 baseball.

9/25/24 Hour 1: Thoughts on messy UNLV QB NIL situation; What it means for college sports

Lon and Derek discuss the big story out of UNLV regarding their starting quarterback redshirting the season over an NIL dispute. The guys discuss what it means for the state of college athletics and how situations like these can be avoided.

9/24/24 Hour 2: Illini hoops set to play a ton of future pros; NFL Week 3 thoughts

Lon and Derek talk some Illini basketball, including Tomislav Ivisic's status and how many pro prospects they'll see in some of their biggest games. Later, the guys share some thoughts on NFL Week 3 and some of the biggest early season NFL storylines.

9/24/24 Hour 1: Bret Bielema's comments fuel for Penn State?; A couple Illini on pace for program records

Lon and Derek discuss Bret Bielema's comments regarding Penn State's white out and if they think it could add some fuel to Penn State's side of things on Saturday. Later, the guys discuss some Illini on pace to crack the Illini record books early this season.

9/23/24 Hour 2: How impressive has the Illini's start been?; Bielema on big win & Penn State

Lon and Derek discuss how impressive the Illini's 4-0 start has been and how many wins they can realistically achieve. Later, hear from head coach Bret Bielema as he shares his thoughts from the Nebraska win and previews Penn State.

9/23/24 Hour 1: J LEMAN HOUR: Illinois is 4-0! Breaking down the win over Nebraska & how special this season could end up being

J Leman joins Lon and Derek for his weekly football hour to break down a thrilling Illini win over Nebraska and bask in the Illini's 4-0 start. The guys look ahead to Penn State and discuss how good this Illinois team can ultimately be.