The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

2/5/25 Hour 1: Confidence level in Illinois taking care of business this week; How sustainable is Illini's two big lineup?

Lon and Kyle share their confidence level in Illinois taking care of business in its two winnable games this week and take a look at the matchup between Illinois and Rutgers. Later, the guys discuss whether or not they think the Illini's two big lineup of Morez Johnson and Tomislav Ivisic is long term.

2/4/25 Hour 2: Thoughts on shocking Luka to LA trade; Who would Illini fans rather see win the Big Ten?

Derek and Kyle share their thoughts on the shocking Luka Donic trade from over the weekend to the LA Lakers and try to make sense of the move. Later, the guys discuss which team, Purdue or Michigan State, would be more preferable for Illini fans to win the Big Ten title.

2/4/25 Hour 1: Who draws the Ace Bailey matchup for Illinois against Rutgers?; Previewing Illini-Scarlet Knights

Derek and Kyle discuss who would be best equipped to try and guard Rutgers superstar Ace Bailey in Wednesday night's matchup and break down the full matchup between Illinois and Rutgers, including what Illinois needs to do to win.

2/3/25 Hour 2: Getting to the bottom of the Underwood-Piper jump shot beef; Does Illinois need a marquee win?

Lon and Derek discuss Brad Underwood's recent jabs at Derek's jump shot and brainstorm ideas of how the two can settle things on the court. Later, Derek and Kyle share their thoughts on Illinois' upcoming resume opportunities and whether Illinois still needs to add a true marquee win.

2/3/25 Hour 1: Illini come back to take care of Ohio State; How important were Underwood's lineup changes & adjustments?

Lon and Derek break down the Illini's bounce back win over Ohio State and how much it was needed to get the Illini back on track. The guys also share their thoughts on the lineup changes and adjustments Brad Underwood made and how important they were to the Illini's second half success.

1/30/25 Hour 2: Is Illinois consistent enough to go on a run?; Underwood talks Nebraska; New Illini QB Ethan Hampton on transfer

Lon and Kyle share their opinions on whether they think Illinois can ultimately be consistent enough to go on a long run in March. Later, hear from Illinois head coach Brad Underwood as he discusses his team and new Illini transfer QB Ethan Hampton on his decision to come to Illinois.

1/30/25 Hour 1: Previewing Illinois-Nebraska; Is all hope lost of Will Riley returning to his November self?

Lon and Kyle share their thoughts on the Illinois-Nebraska matchup and whether or not its a spot on the schedule to be worried about. The guys also discuss their confidence level in Will Riley returning to his nonconference form before the season is over.

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.