The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

The EIU Panthers take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa tomorrow. We talk with longtime EIU play-by-play man Mike Bradd about the game, the state of EIU's program, and plenty more. It's a big weekend in the IHSA Playoffs, including Tolono-Unity vs St. Joe-Ogden. We talk with Tolono head coach Tony Reetz about the game, the community, and the opportunity coach a state championship game at Hancock Stadium in Normal. Plus we give our score predictions for Illini basketball against Long Island University and Illini football against Wisconsin.  AND FRIDAY TOASTS!

It's a busy Friday on The Drive! Joey Wagner from Illini Inquirer joins us this hour to talk Illini vs Wisconsin, Barry Lunney's future, Bears vs Packers, and much more! Plus we get a check of today's Illini Headlines and Kurtis throws some Curveballs!

Kurtis noticed David Mirkovic has an "awesome tattoo" on his right leg. Did you catch it last night during the Illini vs Crimson Tide game?  Da Bears will have a couple of key defensive pieces back as soon as Sunday against the Steelers. Who's in and who's out? We need some money! Evan has those Etched in Stone bets for this week and he's feeling extra generous ahead of Thanksgiving. Plus, wanna feel old? Evan has a few stats that just might do the trick.

The Fighting Illini men's basketball lost against Alabama at the United Center in Chicago. We answer your texts and give our reactions to the 90-86 loss.  Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins us to talk Big Ten Football for this weekend and why USC could spoil Oregon's playoff hopes. Mark Stewart covers Wisconsin Badgers football for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He gives us the Badgers perspective ahead of Saturday's showdown with Bret Bielema and the Illini at Camp Randall.

Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois & WICS joins us this hour to preview Illinois vs Alabama, give his insight, last-minute injury updates from Brad Underwood, and more. Plus, we talk Illini Football ahead of Saturday's showdown at Camp Randall. Who won our Denzel Movie Draft? It wasn't as close as some people thought! We give our final score predictions for tonight's Illinois vs Alabama game. Lets go!

We preview tonight's #8 Fighting Illini men's basketball game against #11 Alabama Crimson Tide at the United Center in Chicago! Who's in and who's out?  We'll talk with Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 about tonight's game, plus 2 area schools are guaranteed to play for a State Championship. We'll preview Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond vs Maroa-Forsyth and Tolono-Unity vs St. Joe-Ogden. Kurtis throws some serious Curveballs at Evan and more on our Denzel Movie Draft.

Illini Football head coach Bret Bielema met with the media and talks about the upcoming trip to his former stomping grounds in Wisconsin. Plus, Bielema expects a very busy coaching carousel this offseason for college football. And he gives us some insight into the "good problems" that Illinois athletics have right now. It's Tuesday and that means DRAFT DAY! This week's subject: Denzel Washington Movies! Who wins? Vote on our Instagram & Twitter pages @thedrive935 or text your vote to 217-359-2255!

Bret Bielema addressed the media and discussed OC Barry Lunney's potential as a head coaching candidate. We share your reactions. Brad Underwood also met with the media and gave an injury report update before tomorrow night's game against Alabama at the United Center. Who's in and who's out?  It was Field Trip Day at State Farm Center for Illini Women's Basketball and it was LOUD! How crazy did the kids get when the Illini scored "67?" It was over 110 decibels! And an interesting conversation takes off after a texter wants to know "Why don't the Illini practice at State Farm Center?"

David Mirkovic had an all-time performance for the Illini against Colgate on Friday night, finishing with 27 points and 21 rebounds; the first 20-20 game for an Illini in 53 years! We recap the game and look ahead to Wednesday's showdown with Alabama at the United Center in Chicago. Speaking of Chicago...Da Bears are in first place! How did the Bears pull off another stunning win? Are they for real and can they make noise in the playoffs? We go through the remaining schedule. It's Evan's turn to choose our Tuesday Draft category. What will he pick? And Kurtis throws them Curveballs!

The All-American J Leman is back in the studio after the Illini cruised past Maryland 24-6. J talks about the great performance by the Illini defense,  Luke Altmyer's connection with Hudson Clement, the future of the O-Line, and answers your texts. 

Robert Rosenthal from Illini Board joins us to talk about a big weekend of Illinois sports and why he thinks OC Barry Lunney will stay in Champaign! Plus, how did Robert save Evan on Tuesday night at the Illinois vs Texas Tech game? Kurtis checks the Illini headlines, throws out some wild curveballs, and we get a surprise call-in from Evan. We give your score predictions and Friday Toasts! I-L-L!

It's a HUGE All-Illini Friday with an All-Star lineup. "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer talks Illini basketball, Carson Gourdie from WICS-TV has insight into why Mike Locksley is possibly out as Maryland's head coach if they to the Illini, and Cooper O'Kelly from Champaign Room & Big Ten+ joins us in-studio to talk Illini athletics. Lets goooo!

Coach Brad Underwood met with the media today ahead of Friday night's game against Colgate. Get the latest injury news and our reactions. We need some money! Evan gives us this week's Etched in Stone picks and is ready to go 5-0. But will he?  And what Evan's final predictions for this weekend's slate of Illinois football & basketball?

Sam Jane works for The Athletic, previously with the Baltimore Sun & Washington Post, and covers Maryland Football. He joins us to chat about Saturday's game at Gies Memorial Stadium and plenty more! Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports takes us around the Big Ten football schedule. Can Iowa win at USC? Is this the year Northwestern wins their Wrigley Field game? Kurtis gives us a check of today's Illini Headlines and throws some Curveballs!

Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us to talk about the IHSA Quarterfinals! It's another big weekend for area schools. We also get Tristan's take on Illinois' win over Texas Tech and find out that Evan stole Josh Whitman's chair last night! Kurtis throws some curveballs and we find out who won our Pro Wrestler Draft! Ohhh Hell Yeah! 

The Illini had an incredible night against Texas Tech, with a 81-77 win! We'll recap Andrej Stojakovic & Kylan Boswell's breakout performances, JT Toppin, and plenty more. Plus we check the Illini Headlines for the day, including National Signing Day for most of the University's athletic programs. Evan took issue with an article that ranked Luke Altmyer as the #16th best quarterback in College Football. We'll dive into the numbers. And our Pro Wrestler Draft is winding down! Who will win?

Hour 2 of our live Veteran's Day broadcast at Pia's with Koerner Distributing & Crown Royal. We talk a little football ahead of Saturday's game against Maryland.  Plus, Kurtis throws some Curveballs and Evan...and then Evan throws one right back! And we give our final thoughts ahead of the Illini vs Texas Tech at State Farm Center.

The Drive is LIVE at Pia's in Champaign ahead of the Illini's showdown with Texas Tech at State Farm Center.  Get our score predictions and more! Plus, our Tuesday Drafts continue and this week's topic: Pro Wrestlers! Who wins? And learn about the Purple Bag Program for Veteran's Day.

The Bears pulled off another stunning win, this time at the expense of the New York Giants and Brian Daboll's job. Plus, how close are Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams to setting a few Chicago Bears records? Brad Underwood held his weekly presser ahead of tomorrow night's showdown with Texas Tech. Which players are in and out? How will the Illini handle the Red Raiders backcourt and Center JT Toppin? Kurtis throws dem Curveballs at poor Evan!

The All-American J Leman is back in the studio after a bye week for the Illini. J and the guys breakdown Illinois vs Maryland, Coach Bielema's press conference; potential coaching changes, and score predictions. Plus, J and the guys learn about a missed scene in the holiday classic "Home Alone."

Illini football have a bye week, but the rest of the conference is in action. Kurtis & Evan break down games and make their predictions. Evan gives an in-depth preview of Illini Wrestling for 2025-2026. Some great information in this segment! Also, Evan asks Kurtis if he could take a punch right now?  And we give our Friday Toasts!

Game 2 of the Illini men's basketball season is tonight! Florida Gulf Coast comes to town and we'll preview the game. Plus, Alex Martin from the Naples Daily News calls in to tell us about the FGC roster. And Kurtis has your Friday Curveballs that could injure Evan!

Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema talks with the media as the team heads into an off week. Coach Bielema addresses injuries, the future the quaterback position, transfer portal, and more. Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat sports takes on a trip around the Big Ten football schedule for this weekend.  We need some money! Evan has your "Etched in Stone" bets for this weekend!

Illini Basketball head coach Brad Underwood met with the media today before tomorrow night's game against Florida Gulf Coast. Coach Underwood gave the latest injury report, talked about defensive concerns, and who will be starting week to week.  Plus we check the other big Illini headlines for today and Kurtis throws a Curveball that hits himself!

Round 2 of the IHSA playoffs features a lot of are schools, including Tolono-Unity vs Monticello. We talk with Trista Thomas from WCIA about all of this weekend's games. Daniel Thompson covers the Bulls and the Illini. He joins us to talk about both, and expectations for this year. And the people have spoken! Who won our Roadside Snack Draft?

The Illini Women's Basketball team kicked off the season with a 91-67 win over SEMO. What are the expectations for this season? Plus, Gabe Jacas is about to enter some elite company in Illini Football history. Listen to find out what we mean. What would you do with the Cardinals roster this offseason? How about the Cubs? Hot Stove Talk is underway! And Kurtis throws some serious Curveballs at you!

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!