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.
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!
J Leman is in studio to discuss the Illini's big win over Duke, the upcoming Western Michigan game, Hyenas, Haircuts, and more!
Evan Stone and Kyle Tausk run through every NFL division and give their picks, including a few bold takes. The guys also preview the weekend ahead in college football.
Kyle Tausk stops back by the studio with Evan Stone to react to the first game of the NFL season between the Cowboys and Eagles and break down a huge game for Illinois against Duke.
"The busiest man in all of media" and the PA guy for your favorite sports teams, Tim Sinclair, joins the show. It's a great conversation! Plus, Evan has the bets you need "Etched in Stone!"
Why did Evan Stone's open tabs on his phone lead to a HEATED discussion about Bo Jackson? The text lines lit up for this one! Plus, Ravi Lulla from HurrDat Sports calls in to chat about B1G TEN football and why he expects the Illini to beat Duke by double digits this weekend!
Evan made a few BOLD predictions before last week's Illini game. How did he do? Not to shabby. Plus we're ready for the NFL season to officially kick off tomorrow night.
It's a full first hour on The Drive! Dave Harding is a former Duke Blue Devil team captain, O-Lineman, and current play-by-play man for the team. He joins us to talk about this weekend's Illinois vs Duke game. Plus, WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas is in-studio to break down the local high school games happening this Friday night.
Shauna Green joins the fellas to talk about the upcoming Ties & Tennies event with the Champaign Parks Foundation. Plus we chat about the upcoming Illini women's basketball season, Shauna's Halloween birthday, and more.
J Leman is back! We're discussing the Illini's big win on Friday night, plus a look ahead to Duke this weekend.
The betting line has moved for tonight's game. The Illini are now favored at -48.5. We'll make our score predictions, gameday traditions, tailgating fun, our Friday toasts and Evan gets everyone HYPED!
We're ready for tonight's home opener! Kurtis and Evan recap rosters, a look at last night's Big Ten games, and a preview of tonight's festivities at Memorial Stadium.
Here are some of the highlights of our live broadcast at Pia's in Champaign. We get you set for the Illini home opener against WIU, Etched in Stone bets, the Micah Parsons trade, and more! **This is an abbreviated podcast due to Cardinals baseball.
The Cardinals drop one to the Pirates, but have Sonny Gray on the bump for the next outing. We discuss. Plus, we discuss the do's and don'ts for taking your kids to their first games. And we're hyped for Pia's tomorow!
There were a handful of Illini alum that were cut from NFL rosters yesterday. We'll update you on where Tommy DeVito and others landed. Plus, Tristan Thomas of WCIA3 joins us to talk about some of the big high school football games this Friday night. And Evan has 4 bold predictions for this Friday night's Illini game. It's The Drive!
The Redbirds had a big comeback win last night and a bad one for Wilson Contreras. We'll dive into the schedule. Also, Western Illinois University's play-by-play man BJ Stone joins the show to discuss what the Illini can expect from the Leathernecks on Friday night. And what did Evan say that made Kurtis CRY on the show?? Find out! It's The Drive!
Illini OC Barry Lunney had some great things to say about Hudson Clement evolving in the Illini offense. We'll dive into that. Plus, Mahomet Lady Bulldogs flag football coach Adam Schonauer joins the show to discuss the sport growing at local schools. It's a great conversation! Also, a handful of Illini greats were cut from NFL rosters today. We discuss who we think could be claimed off of waivers and their best landing spots.
Mihailo Petrovic is officially in Champaign and Illini basketball fans are rejoicing. Plus, more from Coach Bielema's press conference. And why things continue to look up for the Cardinals & Cubs. It's The Drive!
It's the first J Leman hour of 2025 and he's breaking down everything Illini football! Plus, we'll get J's reaction to Coach Bielema's press conference from today and much more. He's a force of nature and he's back!
There are five college football games this weekend and a few juicy betting lines. Evan's ready to lay some bets with the debut of "Etched in Stone." Plus, the schedule looks favorable for the Cardinals through Labor Day. Can they make a run at the Wild Card? And what about the Cubs? And we have our Friday Toasts! Cheers!
We're one week away from the Illini kicking off the 2025 football season. Kurtis and Evan lock in their win/loss picks. Plus, the Bears take on the Chiefs in the last preseason game. How much of the starters do you need to see tonight? And who are the QB's you'd take over Patrick Mahomes? Evan has a few. It's Friday on The Drive!
The Illini Basketball nonconference schedule is officially out and there are some intriguing games in neutral zones. We'll break it down. Also, don't miss our conversation with Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports about the B1G TEN football season. Ravi gives us some great insight from around the conference and how outsiders are viewing the Illini.
We follow up on Gabe Jacas being 22 in ESPN's Top 100 College Football Players of the Year. Illini fans should be very excited about Gabe's potential sack totals for this year. Plus, are people writing off the Cardinals postseason hopes a little too soon? Can the Cubs possibly catch the Brewers? The odds might be better than you think. And what's the most you would spend on tickets to see the Illini in a championship game?
Tyson Bagent got a 2 year extension from the Bears. Kurtis and Evan discuss how it helps from a front office perspective. Also, Anthony Richardson is out and Daniel Jones is in for the Colts. Plus, the Browns have way too many quarterbacks.
A list of the Top 100 Players in College Football was just released. Gabe Jacas and Xavier Scott made the list, but Luke Altmyer did not. Kurtis and Evan discuss. Plus, the Cardinals and Cubs get big wins as the playoff race gets tighter. And what's your dream tailgate?
Imagine you're in charge of the St. Louis Cardinals. How are you fixing the franchise for 2026 and beyond? Kurtis & Evan discuss. Plus, the Cubs benched Kyle Tucker while trying to keep pace with the Brewers. And we received a bunch of shout outs for local high schools. Lets go!
Bret Bielema weighed in on expanding the College Football Playoffs. Kurtis & Evan react. Plus, a deeper into into Illini Football's defense and people are getting WEIRD with Fantasy Football.
Is anyone else ready to do the Super Bowl Shuffle? The Ben Johnson era of the Chicago Bears started with a big preseason win over the Buffalo Bills. Kurtis & Evan discuss what they liked and why some fans should pump the breaks. Plus the Brewers keep winning and the Cubs keep losing. Also, should the Cardinals have been more active at the trade deadline?
It's an all-new era for The Drive on ESPN 93.5! Stevie Jay Broadcasting welcomes Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone as your new hosts. The first hour of the show addresses the departure of longtime host Lon Tay. Plus we're talking Illini Football expectations and how we can get College Gameday to town.
What is The Future of The Drive? Join Lon and Kurtis for a very open, honest discussion about what's next. Make sure you mark August 18th on your calendars. Plus, Matt Sillich calls in to chat about expectations for the former Illini stars in the NBA next season. Ayo, TSJ, KJ, and Will are all in good positions. Matt tells us why! And we TOAST one to you! It is The Drive.
Lon and Kurtis are back and get you ready for the Cardinals vs Cubs 4th of July series. Plus we do Next Question and answer your texts.
Our celebration of Pipes continues. We've got more of your calls, texts, Hans D, Magic, and Derek's wife Haley! Plus Lon, Kurtis, and Derek say their goodbyes. This is a must listen!
Today is the day. We're sending our guy off in style with special guests on the phone and in studio. Hour 1 features station owner Stevie Jay, Trevor Vellese, and your texts.
Former Illini Assistant Coach and current LaSalle coach James Haring joins us this hour to help celebrate Pipes. James shares some awesome stories about Illini recruiting, and being a Groomsman in Pipes' wedding. Which Illini bar hosted the wedding reception? We're having fun on The Drive!
An old friend stops by to help us send Pipes off in style. Kyle Tausk is in-studio and shares some great memories with us about Derek & Lon. Plus, JC Sutter has decided to play for Ole Miss. What's next for Bret Bielema and staff? We discuss! It's The Drive!
Lon shares one of our first tributes to Pipes. Plus, what celebrity cameos should we get Derek in his last week? And things are TIGHT in the NL Central between the Cardinals & Cubs. It all comes to a head over 4th of July Weekend. It is The Drive!
We're sending Pipes out in style this week. There will be a new NCAA College Basketball video game. We'll finally find out who would win between The Flyin' Illini and The '05 Squad! Plus, what's the best sports video game of all time? Will Coach Bielema and the Illini land a new tight end this week? We discuss.
Kurt Kittner is going into the Illini Hall of Fame! Check out our conversation with Kurt. We cover his entire career at Illinois, talk about his NFL run, and what made his Big Ten Championship team so special. Plus, we have a MAJOR announcement about The Drive and we do our Friday Toasts. Grab a beer and toast with us in Hour 2 of The Drive!
Derek Piper was in Brooklyn for the NBA Draft. He has a full of report about on KJ and Will Riley going back to back in the First Round. Plus, what did Brad Underwood think? And the Cubs and Cardinals split their 4 game series. The taunting continues!
Pipes is in Brooklyn covering tonight's NBA Draft. He's got the details on everything happening and expectations for where KJ & Will Riley could be drafted. Speaking of which, the Illini Men's Basketball team did an incredible tribute to both players. We'll have that for you as well. It's a big day for the Illini and The Drive!
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