The Drive with Lon Tay and Derek Piper airs weekdays 4-6pm on ESPN 93.5 in Champaign-Urbana!
The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper is truly a gem for any Illini basketball fan. As a recent listener, I stumbled upon this podcast during the 2021 Illini Basketball run, and I must say that it has quickly become one of my favorite sports podcasts to listen to. Lon Tay and Derek Piper are not only insightful but also incredibly entertaining, making each episode an engaging experience. Their chemistry is palpable, as they bounce off each other's ideas and opinions seamlessly.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the hosts' genuine love and support for the Illinois team. Unlike some other podcasts or radio shows where hosts tend to constantly pick against Illinois and emphasize rival teams' greatness, Tay and Piper maintain a refreshing enthusiasm for their home team. It's clear that they have a deep understanding of the game and are genuinely invested in Illinois' success. Their analysis and breakdowns of games are top-notch, offering unique insights that you won't find elsewhere.
Another highlight of The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper is the exchanges between J Lehman and Lon Tay. These moments provide some of the best radio (or podcast) content I've ever come across. Their banter is light-hearted yet informative, adding an extra layer of entertainment to each episode. As someone who often feels disappointed and frustrated with Illinois football, it's comforting to hear someone discuss these issues openly on the show.
On the downside, one could argue that The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper's content relies heavily on there being ongoing sports events. While Tay and Piper do an excellent job creating engaging content even during dry spells, there may be instances where episodes feel repetitive or lack new material. This is simply a natural consequence when no actual games or major developments occur frequently.
In conclusion, The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper is a fantastic podcast for any Illini fan looking for insightful commentary on their beloved team. Tay and Piper's genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the game make each episode a joy to listen to. Their chemistry and banter are a delight, further enhancing the overall experience. While occasional lulls in sports events may lead to repetitive content, this is a minor drawback compared to the excellent quality of the podcast as a whole. I'm excited for what the future holds for The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper and look forward to many more engaging episodes.
Our friend Tristan Thomas from WCIA 3 joins the show to talk about Bret Bielema being on the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List. Plus we dive into this week's local high school games. Are the Brewers cursed since Flying the L? They're down 2-0 to the Dodgers and the Mariners are up 2-0 on the Blue Jays. Former Illini player Kam Buckner is now a state representative and has proposed a bill that could keep the Bears at Soldier Field & out of Arlington Heights.
It's an Illini-Heavy first hour of the show! All-time rebounding leader Kendall Bostic surprises the show with a phone call to discuss "Field Trip Day" and the rest of the Illini Women's Basketball home schedule. Plus, Hank Beatty is FINALLY on Biletnikoff Watch List. We look at his stats and the other Big Ten nominees. Kurtis has a double dose of CURVEBALLS and Evan is back in-studio to discuss the Bears win on Monday Night.
Did the Bears exercise some demons against the Commanders last night? It was a stunning victory, followed by a fired up Ben Johnson. Illini basketball is back! Who is the player Brad Underwood "wouldn't want to fight?" Kurtis runs through the early part of the schedule and why he thinks this team has an edge. Illini football is on a bye week, but the next home game is SOLD OUT! Find out how you can score tickets. Plus, are they still a 10 win team? And Kurtis gets spooky with today's Curveballs.
The Bears are coming off a bye week to play a Monday Night game against the Commanders. Find out why the bye week has been bad for the Bears and if Ben Johnson can turn things around. The NCAA preseason Top 25 basketball rankings are out. The Illini come in at #17 in the nation and have a stacked schedule. We break it down. Plus we give you Kurtis' CURVEBALLS, Etched in Stone Recap, and will Cignetti take the Penn State job?
It's The J Leman Hour on the Drive and the man is PUMPED today! We get J's thoughts on the Illini's performance against Ohio State. Plus, J's son joins us with the inside scoop on how he got ON STAGE at Big Noon Kickoff. And is it time for the Illini to become a pass-first team? J has a very passionate answer to that question. Don't miss Hour 1 of The Drive!
We talk more scheme and how Illinois can beat Ohio State. Plus Kurtis' Curveballs, Etched in Stone, Big Ten Plus 2, and our Friday toasts!
We are hours away from the biggest game of the Bielema era. How can the Illini leave Gies Memorial Stadium tomorrow with a win over the Buckeyes? We discuss. Plus, was last night the best the Cubs have played this postseason? We think so! The Cubs have forced a Game 5 with the Brewers. And our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins us to break down a full slate of Big Ten Football.
Former Women's basketball head coach, Naismith Hall of Famer, and 2025 Illini Athletics Hall of Inductee Theresa Grentz joined us at Pia's in Champaign. Check out this incredible conversation with a trailblazer and Illini legend.
Illini Women's Soccer Head Coach Katie Hultin joins us ahead of the team's final homestand for this season. The Cubs jumped out on the Brewers in Game 3. Will they force a Game 4? Plus, 2025 Illini Hall of Fame Inductees Kiwanee Garris and Theresa Grentz will join us tomorrow at Pia's in Champaign! Get the details on how you can join us and meet these Illini legends.
Is this Saturday's game against the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes the biggest in Illinois football history? It very well could be. Plus, shoutout to the Marching Illini! They'll be participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Is it too early to talk turkey? WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas joins us for more Illini talk and a preview of all the local high school games. And another one of Kurtis' CURVEBALLS!
Scott Spiezio can now add "Hall of Fame Inductee" to his resume. He talks with Kurtis & Evan about his career, his struggles, finding sobriety, and what the Illini Hall of Fame means to him. This is one fantastic conversation!
The Illini Football team met with the media today ahead of the Hall of Fame game against Ohio State. Hear from Ashton Collins, Ca'lil Valentine, and David Olano. Plus the Cubs are down but not out with the Brewers. Can they get back into their NLDS series? And Kurtis throws a giant Curveball at Evan!
The Brewers crushed the Cubs in game 1 of the NLDS. Can the Cubs bounce back tonight in Game 2? Kurtis' Curveballs: dolphins are officially the smartest "nonhuman" animal on the planet. Who are the most famous Bo's you know? And would you like some tickets for Saturday's Illini game? You know you do!
He's back and he's hyped! The great J Leman is back in studio! We break down the Illini's road win over Purdue on Saturday. Plus a preview of the Ohio State Buckeyes coming to town, another Big Noon Kickoff, and J's predictions.
WE WANT THAT CANNON! The Illini take on Purdue tomorrow. We give our predictions and yours from the text line. Plus, a trip around the Big Ten (plus 2) for tomorrow's games. And it wouldn't be a Friday without our toasts!
Illini coach Brad Underwood met with the media today and had plenty of interesting nuggets. We talk with our guy Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer about his takeaways. Plus, the Cubs have a date with the Brewers in the NLDS. We preview the game and discuss the potential Game 1 pitching matchups. And have you ever been thrown out of a game? Turns out A LOT of people have and we share the numbers in today's "Kurtis' Curveballs!"
Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports takes us around the Big Ten slate of football for this weekend. WE NEED SOME MONEY! Check out this week's "Etched in Stone" bets with Evan. The Cubs chased Yu Darvish after 1 inning, but can they win game 3 against the Padres? And what horror movie is Kurtis watching today?
Illini head coach Bret Bielema talked to the press today ahead of the Illini's showdown with Purdue. Coach B got emotional talking about a couple of his players. Plus, the Cubs and Padres are tied at 1 game apiece. And how does Tom Brady avoid a sunburn? Find out with Kurtis' Curveballs!
What are the least respected professions in the United States? Find out with today's edition of "Kurtis' Curveballs." Breaking Big Ten news that could prevent a Super Conference. We'll discuss with WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas and get a preview of the local high school games. And it's Spooky Season! Kurtis & some texters school Evan on what he should be watching this month.
We want the cannon! It's Illinois vs Purdue week and Jimmy Sobeski joins the show to give us the Boilermakers perspective of the game. Is this a trap game? Plus, will Illini OC Barry Lunney stick around after this year? Where would he be a good fit as a head coach in 2026? And the Cubs & Padres are tied in the MLB playoffs.
The Illini open as 9.5 point favorites against Purdue this weekend. We look at a few more numbers and compare Altmyer vs DeVito. Plus, the debut of "Kurtis' Curveballs" and we read your texts about the WORST sports injuries we've ever had.
Illini football head coach Bret Bielema joined ESPN 93.5 today to talk about the huge win over USC, Purdue this weekend, and plenty more! Plus, Cardinals fans say goodbye to Mo and welcome Chaim Bloom. We open up the text line to let Redbird fans voice their feelings on this season and the future of the team. And the Cubs beat the Padres in Game 1 of the Wild Card round.
The Bears snuck out a W against the Raiders in Vegas in an ugly game. Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson go into the bye at 2-2 before a Monday Night showdown with Washington. Plus, the Cubs wrap up the regular season by sweeping the Cardinals. Is Chicago primed for a postseason run? We have some MLB Postseason Predictions this hour on The Drive!
It wasn't a dream! David Olano kicked the game winner on Saturday and The great J Leman joins us to break down the Illini's historic victory over the USC Trojans. Plus, why J thinks Purdue could be a trap game for Illinois.
We kicked off the Illini homecoming festivities at Pia's in Champaign! Big thanks to Illini great Kevin Mitchell for stopping by and to the whole crew at Pia's for having us.
The man behind IlliniBoard.com Robert Rosenthal joins us in-studio to talk about Illinois vs USC, his awful experience in Bloomington during the Indiana game, and taking things one game at a time. Plus WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas is back with a preview of the local high school games in Central Illinois.
We're one day closer to Homecoming for the Illini. We'll dive into the latest roster news for both teams. Plus a breakdown of the other Big Ten games happening this weekend and Caleb Williams was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week! Can he repeat against a 1-2 Raiders team on Sunday?
We dive into the MLB postseason picture. Find out why Evan hopes the Reds get to the World Series! Plus, MLB has approved "robot umpires" for next year. What are the worst losses you've experienced as a fan? Also, why it's time for Illini fans to move on from the Indiana game and focus solely on USC.
Illinois O-Line coach Bart Miller addressed the media today. What are his concerns going forward and what does he hope to accomplish against USC? Plus, ESPN's Dan Wetzel wrote an article stating "Indiana has yet to beat anyone" and that upset a few Illini fans. The guys react and read your texts. Plus, is there any concern that the Cubs haven't won a game since clinching a playoff spot?
Kurtis and Evan go through your Illini texts at 217-359-2255. Plus, the Bears beat the Cowboys on a wild NFL Sunday. And Bruce Pearl announced his retirement. We read your unfiltered texts to the announcement.
Saturday night was a rough one for Illini football and fans. Is it time to push the panic button? J Leman says no way! J breaks down Saturday night's loss, looks ahead to homecoming against USC, and reacts to Bret Bielema's press conference.
The great Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer is back with us! Kyle breaks down the men's basketball schedule and also talks Cubs postseason baseball. Plus, we share YOUR score predictions for the Illini vs Indiana game and we give our Friday toasts!
Game Day is almost here and we're ready! Illinois vs Indiana kicks off tomorrow night in Bloomington on NBC. We're talking Nick Rodecap from The Hoosier Network about the IU perspective and breaking down the match-ups.
Mike Schumann is the founder of The Daily Hoosier and has been covering Indiana football since 1995. He joins us to talk about Saturday's primetime game against the Illini. Also, we need some money! Get those Etched in Stone bets for this weekend!
Breaking News: Xavier Scott is doubtful for Saturday night against Indiana. What will this mean for the Illini defense and how will they adjust? Also, the Illini Big Ten basketball schedule has been released. The Illini will take a trip to LA in February, and host Michigan on a Friday night. Get the details this hour! Plus Ravi Lulla from HurrDat sports joins us to break down the weekend schedule of Big Ten Football.
The Wall Street Journal's senior sportswriter Rachel Bachman joins us to talk about her article on the Illini's Moms' Practice. It's a great a conversation! Plus, Ben Johnson gets serious during today's Bears press conference. It's a full hour on The Drive!
WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas will be all over Central Illinois on Friday for "Friday Football Fever" and then head to Bloomington on Saturday for the Illini's showdown with the Hoosiers. But first, he joins us in-studio to preview all of this weekend's football action. Plus, the Cubs have clinched a postseason birth. Are they peaking at the right time?
The Illini have a clean bill of health ahead of their game with Indiana on Saturday, but the same can't be said for The Drive. Plus, some nuggets on Illini basketball and the fellas have your chance to score tickets for the sold out homecoming game against USC.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti had his press conference today ahead of Saturday's game against the Illini. He seemed a little...tense. Illini LG Josh Gesky talked with the media today too. He wants the Illini to start fast against the Hoosiers! Plus, Jeremiah Cox talks expectations for the Cardinals in 2026 and the rest of this year.
The Bears were crushed by the Lions in Ben Johnson's return to Ford Field. Is the season over already? Kurtis and Evan debate what's next as the Bears get ready for the Cowboys on Sunday. Plus, an Etched in Stone Recap and a Monday Night preview.
The great J Leman is in the studio for the first hour! We're discussing the Illini's dominant win over Western Michigan, and what to watch for against Indiana this weekend. Plus, J's favorite sports movies. There's a bevy of them!
Patrick Sojka is the Senior Associate Athletics Director for the Illini and is behind your Gameday Experience. We talk about what fans can expect for this weekend and beyond. Plus, a chat about the best & worst sports movies and our Friday Toasts!
The #9th ranked Fighting Illini take on Western Michigan tomorrow night and we're hyped! Plus, the Packers look like they're on another level after crushing the Commanders on Thursday Night Football. And the great Bears play-by-play man Jeff Joniak calls the show!
Etched in Stone is back! Evan has 5 picks for you, plus a bonus bet for our social media followers. Also, some Cardinals chatter and good news for the Bears before they play Detroit!
Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports calls in to talk B1G Ten Football. Ravi was one of the few analysts that had the Illini blowing out Duke last week. How does he feel things will go Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium? Plus, we take a look at other games in the conference. Also, Jared White from the Prairieland Counsil BSA is in-studio with details on Brad Underwood being recognized with the "Distinguished Citizen Award." Brad will be honored on Monday night at State Farm Center and you can be a part of it.
IlliniBoard.com publisher Robert Rosenthal joins us in-studio to talk about Illini Football history, his favorite memories, and what he expects for the rest of this season. It's a great conversation with one of the ultimate Illini fans!
We're a day removed from Larry Gies' $100 million donation. We chat more about fans' reactions. Also, Tristan Thomas from WCIA calls in with a preview of Friday Football Fever.
It's a big news day for Fighting Illini Athletics after the largest monetary donation in school history. Gies Memorial Stadium is now the home for Illini Football. The reactions from fans have been all over the spectrum and the conversation is great. Plus, is it "same ol Bears" after dropping the Ben Johnson debut on Monday Night Football? We dive in!
The conversation about what the Gies donation means for Illinois athletics continues. The text lines were lit up! Also, we dive into the recent history of Illinois vs Western Michigan. And have you ever purchased some bootlegged merch of your favorite team? It turns out Illinois is the #1 state for the fake stuff.
It's a big news day for Fighting Illini Athletics after the largest monetary donation in school history. Gies Memorial Stadium is now the home for Illini Football. The reactions from fans have been all over the spectrum and the conversation is great. Plus, is it "same ol Bears" after dropping the Ben Johnson debut on Monday Night Football? We dive in!
The Bears take on the Vikings in Monday Night Football, but before kickoff Kevin Warren dropped a bomb. The Bears President of Football Operations says the team is officially moving to Arlington Heights. It's The Drive!
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