The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

Zack Pearson does a great job covering the Beas for BearReport and 247Sports. He joins us to talk about the season thus far, Caleb Williams progression, Ben Johnson, and today's trade deadline move.  The Cardinals & Cubs have Gold Glovers on their teams.  More Illini Headlines. And this week's Tuesday Draft is Roadside Snacks!

The Illini Men's basketball team opened the season with a 113-55 win over Jackson State and nearly set a team record of 3's. Tomislav Ivisic and Ben Humrichous each scored 21.  Plus, the Illini Women's team kicks off the season tonight against SEMO and it was a good day for Illini Soccer. We'll check the Illini headlines. It was a BUSY day for the NFL Trade Deadline. The Colts made a blockbuster move for Sauce Gardner, the Bears filled a need, and the Jets are in a fire sale. But who won and who lost the day? We discuss. And Kurtis is throwing some serious CURVEBALLS at Ethan!

The wait is over! The Fighting Illini men's basketball team kicks off the season tonight against Jackson State. We'll hear from head coach Brad Underwood about who's in and who's out. Plus, details on how you can win tickets for an upcoming game. The Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals had one of the craziest games of the year yesterday & Da Bears won! What does this mean for Ben Johnson's team going forward? Will the Bears be buyers or sellers before tomorrow's trade deadline? And Kurtis throws some CURVEBALLS at you!

The All-American J Leman is back in studio to talk about the Illini's huge win over Rutgers on Saturday. J discusses the game Lunney called for the offense, changes made on the defensive side of the ball, and expectations for the rest of the year. Plus, where does Luke Altmyer rank among the all-time great Illini quarterbacks?

Kyle Tausk joins us to talk about the Illini men's basketball home opener on Monday night. Get Kyle's insight on a few key injuries, expectations for the 2025 season, and news on recruits for 2026. The Blue Jays look to close out the World Series tonight against the Dodgers. We give our final predictions for Illinois vs Rutgers, plus our Friday toasts!

It's an Illini Heavy Show! Kendall Bostic joins us to talk about her new role with Illini Women's Basketball radio broadcasts, and the upcoming season. We check out the latest Illini headlines heading into the weekend. Kurtis throws Evan some manly Curveballs and we get your score predictions for Illinois vs Rutgers.

We take a trip around the Big Ten with our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports! Ravi gives his insight on Illinois vs Rutgers, Matt Ruhle's new contract, USC vs Nebraska,  and all the other games on this weekend's slate. We need some money! Evan has those "Etched in Stone" bets for this weekend. Illini Soccer kicks off Big Ten postseason play against Ohio State.

Trey Yesavage had an all-time performance for the Blue Jays in Game 5 of the World Series. The Jays now lead the series 3-2. Can the Dodgers force a Game 7? We check the latest Illini headlines, then take a SPOOKY turn with the Illini sports moments that still haunt us. Kurtis throws his Curveballs and Evan ducks!

Richie O'Leary is the Publisher of The Knight Report and covers the Scarlet Knights for ON3 Sports. He joins us to talk about the game this Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium, Greg Schiano taking over play calling, team injuries, and more. The votes have been tallied for our Horror Movie Draft, but Kurtis thinks some chicanery happened! Did Evan cheat?! We preview the pivotal Game 5 of the World Series after the Blue Jays tied things up at 2 games a piece.

Rutgers is riddle with injuries and the Illini are currently 12.5 point favorites for Saturday's sold out game at Gies Memorial Stadium. We dive into the numbers. Plus, there are A LOT of Illinois sports headlines today. Kurtis has the latest. Tristan Thomas from WCIA 3 calls us to discuss the IHSA Playoffs.  And Kurtis throws Evan a bunch of CURVEBALLS including "towns with dirty names."

Game 3 of the World Series was an all-timer between the Dodgers & Blue Jays. The guys will discuss and preview tonight's pitching match-ups. Kurtis and Evan square off in The Drive's first ever draft: HORROR MOVIES!  And we have a few nuggets for Illini basketball, including details on how you can win tickets to upcoming games.

Evan's medical procedure was a success and he's back in the studio! He also might be a little loopy. Kurtis tests Evan with "Real or Fake Sports Headlines." Illini O-Lineman Josh Gesky met with the media ahead of Saturday's game with Rutgers.  Kurtis throws some Curveballs!

Mihailo Petrovic is officially cleared to play for the Illinois men's basketball team. We'll give you our instant reactions.  No Lamar, no problem! The Bears lost a winnable game to the Ravens on Sunday as Tyler Huntley outplayed Caleb Williams. Ben Johnson's frustration was palpable after the game and turned the focus to the leaders on the team. Kurtis is throwing Curveballs and Evan has a PSA for all the male listeners. 

The All-American and former Illinois linebacker J Leman is fired up after the Illini's loss against Washington. J shares his thoughts on the defense, DC Aaron Henry, the fans' reaction to the loss, and what the Illini need to do going forward.  The text line was on FIRE for this one.

We give you our final predictions for Illinois vs Washington. Plus, an incredible Lamar Jackson stat that will most likely determine Sunday's Bears vs Ravens game. WE NEED SOME MONEY! Get those bets Etched in Stone! Why did Kurtis and Evan fight over a Peacock log-in, & why does it involve acting legend Kurt Russell? And we give our FRIDAY TOASTS!

Illinois vs Washington is the biggest game on the Big Ten slate this weekend. We check the latest injury report for you and discuss what the Illini need to do to win. Brad Underwood lands another one! Four-star recruit Lucas Morillo is coming to Champaign next season. We'll tell you what you need to know about the latest Illini. Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins the show to talk Big Ten football for this weekend and gives his predictions. And Kurtis throws you some serious CURVEBALLS!

The NBA was rocked by a gambling scandal today involving Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, illegal poker games with the mafia, and more. We dive into the latest on this story. Kurtis throws us some Curveballs. Do you want to see the Illini in the NCAA Playoffs? Of course you do! Evan tells us who you need to root for this weekend to help get Illinois closer to that goal.

Former Fighting Illini DE and current Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner kicks off the show. We talk with Kam about his STARS Bill, it's impact on the Bears potential move to Arlington Heights, his relationship with Kevin Warren, and much more. Roman Tomashoff covers the Huskies for UW Huskies Wire & USA Today. He givs us the Washington side of things before Saturday's game. And Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema met with the media today. He talked about practice conditions, crowd noise in Washington, injury report, and much more.

Michael Jordan made his return to the NBA family last night in an interview with Mike Tirico on NBC. We react to a few of Jordan's quotes, talk MJ's legacy as a player & an owner, and expectations for him as an analyst. The Bears take on the Ravens this Sunday and it looks like Lamar Jackson is back. Is it bad news for the Bears?  Plus a few nuggets for Illinois vs Washington on Saturday - weather, injury report, and more.

WCIA-3's Tristan Thomas kicks off the show with boys. We talk about the Illini players that met with the media today, Saturday's game against Washington, and the slate of Friday night football. It's the last week of regular season for IHSA play and a lot of schools are trying to land postseason bids. Plus, Illinois Women's Gymnastics head coach Josh Nilson talks about the upcoming season and next week's Halloween event. And Kurtis' CURVEBALLS!

Details on Curt Cignetti's historic contract at Indiana are out. We dive into the numbers and also some breaking news from the NFL, college football, & baseball. Evan has some nuggets on the Illini defense vs the Huskies O-Line. Plus, Kurtis introduces Evan to country star Chris Cagle's music. Chris is coming to the City Center in Champaign. And the Bears top the NFL in a stat that shocked Kurtis.

Illini OLine Coach Bart Miller & TE Cole Rusk talked with the media today. Miller had a couple of interesting quotes about how the his unit has played so far this year and expectations going forward. Plus, Cole Rusk talks about having his confidence back and being ready to go against Washington. And you know Kurtis has some Curveballs for you!

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer was at State Farm Center for the exhibition against Illinois State. Kyle has great insight on Mirkovic's debut, the absences of Mihailo Petrovic, Andrej Stojakovic, and Tomaslav Ivisivic, & expectations for the season. Don't look now, but the Chicago Bears have won 4 in a row! We recap the Bears' latest win against the Saints. Plus, Kurtis is throwing some CURVEBALLS at Evan.

Illini legend and All-American Linebacker J Leman is back in studio! We talk with J about the Illini's upcoming road game with Washington, playoff chances, the college football Coaching Carousel, and STETSON COLOGNE.

Your texts continue to pour in about Illinois Football's road to different Bowl Games and our conversation continues! Plus, there's a new Continuation Rule that goes into effect this season for NCAA basketball. You'll get your first look at it this Sunday when the Illini men's team has a scrimmage with Illinois State. We also give you our Big Ten + 2 predictions and Friday Toasts!

Carson Gourdie covers Illinois sports for Fox Illinois and WICS-ABC 20. He also wrote a fantastic article breaking down the Illini's potential road to different Bowl Games and the Playoffs. We talk with Carson about his article and the text lines lit up! Plus, Kurtis has some Big Ten heavy CURVEBALLS for Evan. 

Kurtis throws a bunch of Curveballs at Evan and it lead to a conversation about SEINFELD that blew up the text lines. WE NEED MONEY! Get Evan's "Etched in Stone" bets. Follow us @thedrive935 for a bonus bet. More on Cignetti's contract, what it means to the coaching carousel, and his buyout.

The Illini football team is on a bye this weekend. The guys discuss why it's happening at the perfect time and what it means for the game against Washington next week. Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins the show to break down this weekend's Big Ten slate. The guys react to the breaking news about Curt Cignetti's MONSTER deal at Indiana.

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!