Podcasts about bielema

Which Illini football players made the All Big Ten team? We'll break it down! Zack Pearson from BearReport joins us ahead of the Bears vs Packers game on Sunday. Who takes control of the NFC North after Sunday? Zack gives us his insight. Plus, Bret Bielema revealed his non-compete numbers and Kurtis throws some Curveballs!

Matt Stevens and Zeno Jo talk to Mike Cagley about Illini FB 2025 Signing Day. What is Bielema doing to put his imprint on the program? How are the Illini perceived? How does this class affect Illini trajectory? Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! We ask YOU to help the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & I on the Illini grow on social media by following us on all our social media and engaging with the content posted. Every like, love, comment & share help the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening! Follow the IlliniGuys Subscribe at IlliniGuys.com Follow us on X: Larry: https://x.com/LarrySmithTV Brad: Bradislav Sturdivic (@Sturdy32) / X Mike: https://x.com/MikeCagley IlliniGuys: https://x.com/Illini_Guys Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@illiniguys4844?si=oWtcpGPkAIYSBceM Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Illinois football inks the #21 recruiting class in the nation on a successful Signing Day. Mike Carpenter reacts to Bielema's best haul yet, coming on the heels of an 8-4 season and quality bowl game. He also discusses the coaching carousel in college football, and where Illini basketball stands entering Saturday's non-conference showdown with Tennessee.

Our coverage of National Signing Day for Illinois Football continues. Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us this hour to recap Coach Bielema's presentation to the media and the class of 2026.  Evan Stone did an incredible deep dive into the "Best Era of Fighting Illini Football." Evan went all the way back to the 1950s, covered the most successful 5-year periods in Illinois history, and compared it to the Bielema era. The results are fascinating. A must-listen to segment! And who won our Sitcom Draft? The margin of winning was only 2 votes!

The Illini men's basketball team competed, but ultimately fell to UConn at Madison Square Garden. What went right and what went wrong? Where will Brad Underwood & Co do ahead of their trip to Nashville before playing Tennessee? Da Bears are Da Number 1 team in da NFC! The Chicago Bears handled the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday in Philly. Ben Johnson's team has won 9 of their last 10 games and are in the driver's seat the rest of the way. Next up? The Packers in Green Bay.  A handful of texts start this conversation: Why are some Illini fans still unhappy with Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood? 

The Illini wrap up their regular season on Saturday night at Gies Memorial Stadium against the Northwestern Wildcats. Snow is in the forecast - who does that benefit? We talk with Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports takes us around the Big Ten football slate. Ravi previews Ohio State vs Michigan, Washington vs Oregon, and much more. Chris Kwicinski from Fox32 covers Northwestern athletics and the Chicago Bears. He joins us to talk about both.

Jon and Josh together as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday.  Packers gave us a wonderful and dominant win.  The Badgers beat up on Bielema's Illini.  Badgers Women Hockey is #1 and Baadgers Men's Hockey is #2.  College basketball is in full swing.  

J Leman is back in-studio to break down what went wrong for the Illini against Wisconsin. J talks Bielema, Barry Lunney, Bart Miller, Aaron Henry, and plenty more! Plus Evan puts the current state of Illini football in a historical perspective and J brings out the "Rage Side" of Kurtis.  We cover it all this hour of The Drive!

Packer/Viking weekend! In my lifetime, I think this has been a more bitterly contested rivalry than Packers/Bears. Packers need a win before a short week and road trip to Detroit. Badgers have a LOT to prove in the final two weeks of the season, starting with Senior Night at Camp Randall on Saturday night against Bielema and Illinois. Bucks lose two games and Giannis this week, Woody is back with the Brewers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

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!

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."

Week 9 is loaded—ten spotlight games, sharp line moves, and a few schedule spots the market's sleeping on. I'm breaking down where my models disagree with Vegas and which numbers actually matter.We start with South Florida–Memphis after a full touchdown swing, then head to Death Valley for Texas A&M–LSU and why the havoc vs. protection matchup tilts this one. Ole Miss walks into Oklahoma's No. 1 defensive success rate—can the Rebels' timing survive OU's havoc? Alabama's fifth straight grinder lands in Columbia; is South Carolina a live cover in a classic trap spot?Tempo and finishing drives define Baylor–Cincinnati. UCLA's 9 a.m. body-clock trip to Indiana meets a top-five PPA margin. GameDay hits Nashville for Missouri–Vanderbilt, where the Commodores' passing success faces a legit Tigers D. Illinois' road ATS run under Bielema meets Washington's leaky pass defense. BYU's fourth road trip in six weeks visits Iowa State off a bye. And Colorado comes off a bye at Utah the week after the Holy War—historically a rough ATS spot for the Utes.Keywords: college football picks, ATS predictions, success rate, PPA, havoc rate, finishing drives, strength of schedule, Week 9 lines.1:01 USF vs Memphis6:26 Texas A&M vs LSU13:41 Ole Miss vs Oklahoma19:09 Alabama vs South Carolina28:46 Baylor vs Cincinnati35:30 UCLA vs Indiana41:35 Missouri vs Vanderbilt48:26 Illinois vs Washington55:27 BYU vs Iowa State1:00:48 Colorado vs Utah

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.

-BUCKS VS. ILLINOIS -BIG 10 IN BIG TROUBLE FOR THE PLAYOFF BRACKET

This week's slate is loaded with statement games and rivalries that could shape the Playoff picture: Utah vs Texas Tech – Undefeated QBs Devon Dampier and Behren Morton square off in a Heisman-level duel, but Utah's discipline and star tackle Spencer Fano give the Utes the edge. SMU vs TCU – The final Iron Skillet matchup brings history, revenge, and two high-powered offenses. Can TCU's defense back up the hype, or will SMU extend its road win streak? Auburn vs Oklahoma – The “Jackson Arnold Bowl” features Auburn's dual-threat transfer QB against OU's new star John Mateer. Both coaches flipped hot-seat narratives, but Brent Venables' defense and run-stopping history have us leaning Sooners at home. Michigan vs Nebraska – Bryce Underwood is ready to open up Michigan's playbook, but Dylan Raiola and the nation's top pass defense stand in the way. Expect a defensive battle that goes down to the wire. Tulane vs Ole Miss – Tulane's chaos defense meets Lane Kiffin's explosive offense in Oxford. The Green Wave has a shot, but Ole Miss' firepower at home feels too strong. Florida vs Miami – With Florida losing Caleb Banks and DJ Lagway struggling, Miami's physical O-line and playmakers may prove too much under the primetime spotlight. Illinois vs Indiana – Two of the Big Ten's most disciplined, well-coached teams clash in a matchup that could decide early Playoff positioning. We're rolling with Bielema's Illini as road dogs. Plus: quick thoughts on Oregon vs Oregon State and the Apple Cup (Washington vs Washington State).

College football Week 2 is here, and we're breaking down the 10 biggest games of 2025 with picks, odds, and analysis. From Michigan–Oklahoma in Norman to Ole Miss–Kentucky in Kroger Field, it's a loaded slate with rivalry spice and upset alerts.We cover:1:11 Michigan at Oklahoma – Wolverines' front vs Sooners' firepower, Bryce Underwood's first true road test4:34 USF at Florida – Golesh's tempo vs Gators' trench edge, look-ahead factor with LSU on deck?7:52 Kansas at Missouri – Border War returns, Jalen Daniels vs Kirby Moore's balanced Tigers11:45 Iowa at Iowa State – Cy-Hawk trends, trench advantages and the perennial under14:49 Illinois at Duke – Manny Diaz's pressure packages vs Bielema's ground game, sneaky talent edge for Duke19:57 Arizona State at Mississippi State – Shapen healthy, Starkville at night, mirror rosters and key explosives23:27 SMU vs Baylor – Lashlee vs Spavitol shootout potential, trench and pace edges at Ford Stadium27:25 Boston College at Michigan State – Slow grind, coin-flip profile favors the points31:08 Oklahoma State at Oregon – Ducks' dominance vs Gundy's road dog magic, is 28 too many?34:41 Ole Miss at Kentucky – Stoops' defense vs Kiffin's tempo, series always tight in Lexington

Illinois football season is just around the corner, and with the latest coaches' poll slotting Bret Bielema's team at #12, expectations are high. Mike Carpenter discusses how the Illini program has been transformed under Bielema - from Big Ten basement dwellers to a sexy pick for the College Football Playoff.

(00:00-25:08) Blues broadcaster Joey Vitale joins us for his Friday hit. His friend Sidney Crosby has a birthday coming up but he hasn't gotten him a gift. Protecting his chickens. Was that a spittoon? Learning about adversity thru chickens. Joey's excited about the hockey season. Excited to see this team progress and move forward. Jim Montgomery holds people accountable but doesn't alienate them. Back to chicken talk. How much coffee does Joey drink before these calls? Who do the Blues need to see step up and emerge this season?(25:16-38:15) Our Twitter poll on which coach is more liked: Drink or Marmol? Which local coach do you trust most including Montgomery, Gates, Drinkwitz, Marmol, Schertz, Underwood, and Bielema? Rehashing the white food discussion from yesterday.(38:25-53:48) RHWOFTMA still in pre pre-production. Gabe says the Drink extension had to be done. Mizzou athletics spent $31.7M in NIL. The NIL effect on college sports. College athletes and agents.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who has the best food in Illini country? How about the best bars? What are some underrated spots? Plus, more on Bielema being the "villain" that college football needs. We chat about Juice Williams' legacy for Illini football. We have a game 7 for the NBA Finals! Get ready for Pacers vs Thunder. And our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

Reach out to Cody and Buhler to tell them what's up!Nine games?Yes, Bret Bielema wants everyone in the Power Four to play nine conference games annually.On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided.com) flew solo like a cup with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) still in laptop limbo.Buhler touched on Bielema's convenient comments at Illini Night at Wrigley Field, as well as who a few potential sleepers for the Heisman Trophy are in the SEC and the Group of Five of all places.Sleeping on False Start would be to your own detriment.

Will the Fighting Illini land one of the top TE's in the nation? How about two of them? Plus, how did the Illini represent at Wrigley Field last night? We break it down!

Bret Bielema tried to stand up for the Big Ten, but Eli Drinkwitz had a great response! Plus, accusations against Zion Williamson and more abuse hurled toward MLB players...

The guys compare Bret Bielema's contract with the Top 10 highest paid coaches in college football. Plus, Lon and Kurtis give Pipes advice on T-Ball. And which MLB player did Tawny Kitaen (from the Whitesnake video) beat up back in the day?

Friday's 9am hour of Mac & Cube started off with Dick Jerardi, thanks to BetOnLine, telling us what to expect from The Preakness; then, with Bret Bielema getting an extension at Illinois, the guys ask if Arkansas was smart to let him go; later, what would you want the identity of your team to be; and finally, we set up our game watching weekend, thanks to TD's Fine Furniture in Sumiton. "McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" airs 7am-10am weekdays on WJOX-94.5!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lon and Derek discuss the announced contract extensions for Brad Underwood and Bret Bielema and what a realistic expectation should be for Underwood each season. Later, the guys share their thoughts on Illinois & Tennessee finalizing an agreement to meet for another two seasons in Nashville and Chicago and who else they'd like to see the Illini schedule.

Matt Stevens, Ked Prince & Mike Cagley talk Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood earning big-time contract extensions! Share this podcast on your social media! We ask YOU to help Big Sports Radio & IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular grow on social media by following us on all our social media and engaging with the content posted. Every like, love, comment & share help Big Sports Radio and IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!

Lon and Derek discuss what Brad Underwood's roster approach has been to building this roster and what questions they would want to ask him about his offseason. Later, Lon and Kyle share their thoughts on Josh McCray entering the transfer portal. Hear from head coach Bret Bielema as he comments publicly on McCray's decision.

Derek and Kyle discuss what's next for Illinois basketball this offseason and what their remaining spending could look like as they fill out the roster. Later, hear from head football coach Bret Bielema as he shares updates from the Illini's spring practices.

Bret Bielema Talks to Media Cheetah vs Lyles (Winner Gets Sturdy/Cagley Victor) Dylan Sinn on Indiana Game Predictions Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! We ask YOU to help Big Sports Radio & IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular grow on social media by following us on all our social media and engaging with the content posted. Every like, love, comment & share help Big Sports Radio and IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!

-Bielema quote tweeted a video of Harbaugh saying to tell the truth and don't cheat to win, and commented about why would Harbaugh run to the NFL and run away from everything coming for him-Call to take down Sip in trivia at (402) 464-5685…winner gets a Business Box of BagelsShow sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You've had Wendy's Nuggs dipped in sauce. But have you had them covered in sauce? Wendy's New Saucy Nuggs take the Crispy and Spicy Nuggs you love and turn them up to 11.Choose between flavors like Buffalo. Honey BBQ. Garlic Parm. Or, if you're a real heat seeker, try Spicy Ghost Pepper, only on Wendy's signature Spicy Nuggs. This show is also sponsored by PrizePicks, America's most fun daily fantasy game. Use the code STAPLES to play $5 and get $50 instantly. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/STAPLES (0:00-16:34) Intro: Bret Bielama vs Jim Harbaugh(16:35-22:38) From the Senior Bowl(22:39-33:25) Coaches on the Hot Seat entering 2025(33:26-39:16) ACC Coaches on the Hot Seat(39:17-41:54) Big 12 Coaches - Scott Satterfield(41:55-43:39) Arizona's Brent Brennan(43:40-45:33) Who's Too Expensive in the Big 12(45:34-46:33) Wendy's Saucy Nuggs(46:34-48:51) Big Ten Coaches on the Hot Seat(48:52-54:04) Too Expensive in the Big Ten - Lincoln Riley(54:05-58:34) Wisconsin's Luke Fickell(58:35-1:11:14) SEC Coaches on the Hot Seat(1:11:15-1:12:47) Conclusion Andy is at the Senior Bowl, but a favorite show topic has blown up again. After Yahoo's Ross Dellenger revealed details of Michigan's defense in the NCAA case involving the Connor Stalions-led advanced scouting operation, Illinois coach Bret Bielema hopped on X to troll former Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh. We won't see them playing on the field anytime soon, but Bielema isn't shy about sharing his feelings. Next, Andy & Ari take a look at coaches on the hot seat early entering the 2025 season. Is your coach on it, or is your coach too expensive to fire? Find out here as Andy & Ari break it all down from Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl. Watch us on YouTube instead! https://www.youtube.com/@On3sports Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari WassermanProducer: River Bailey 

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.

The third hour of 3 Man Front included the latest on Michigan refusing to cooperate with the NCAA, Bret Bielema taking shots at Jim Harbaugh & Sean Fox previewing Auburn vs LSU on the hardwood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've had Wendy's Nuggs dipped in sauce. But have you had them covered in sauce? Wendy's New Saucy Nuggs take the Crispy and Spicy Nuggs you love and turn them up to 11.Choose between flavors like Buffalo. Honey BBQ. Garlic Parm. Or, if you're a real heat seeker, try Spicy Ghost Pepper, only on Wendy's signature Spicy Nuggs. Axia Time is the offical timepiece for both the College Football Playoff and the Heisman trophy and probably the best kept secret in college football.   Their timepieces are heirloom quality and among the coolest designs in the college space. Axia Time has created a series of limited-edition timepieces for all 12 teams in the college football playoff.  each design is limited to only 100 pieces. Check out your team's CFP designs at axiatime.com, but you better act fast because they will sell out.   This show is also sponsored by PrizePicks, America's most fun daily fantasy game. Use the code STAPLES to play $5 and get $50 instantly. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/STAPLES(0:00-2:29) Intro: Bret Bielema & Way too early Lines(2:30-6:56) Al Golden set to be Cincinnati Bengals' New DC(6:57-9:35) College Football's Biggest What If?(9:36-10:56) AxiaTime.com(10:57-31:00) Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema Joins the show(31:01-37:19) Andy explains his subpoena(37:20-45:54) Story time with Ari(45:55-47:55) PrizePicks(47:56-53:17) Way too early lines: Iowa State vs Kansas State in Dublin(53:18-56:37) Auburn at Baylor(56:38-58:22) Alabama at Florida State(58:23-1:00:54) Georgia Tech at Colorado(1:00:55-1:03:41) Notre Dame at Miami(1:03:42-1:05:15) Texas at Ohio State(1:05:16-1:06:12) Syracuse vs Tennessee in Atlanta(1:06:13-1:09:32) LSU at Clemson(1:09:33-1:12:07) Ohio State at Michigan(1:12:08-1:15:32) Story Time with Andy(1:15:33-1:16:30) Conclusion; Dear Andy & Ari Tomorrow - andystapleson3@gmail.com Illinois coach Bret Bielema joins the show to discuss how the Illini brought some of their best veterans back to create a huge buzz for 2025. Bielema also talks about how the bowl win against South Carolina helped show the Illini what they might be capable of in the future. Andy also reveals to Bielema that he's the first coach to ever get Andy subpoenaed. Later, Andy and Ari break down some WAY-too-early betting lines for the 2025 season. (And you thought Andy and Ari's top 25 was way too early.) Watch us live on YouTube, M-F at 9:30 am et! https://youtube.com/live/2-IL1SW61T0 Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari WassermanProducer: River Bailey

Hot 5 at 5; Bielema vs. Beamer; Football Friday with Joey Harrington

Ducks lose a QB; Most insufferable college fan bases; NFL playoff dark horses; A bad comp for CJ Stroud; One great NFL game; Contract incentive-based NFL prop bets; In The News; Hot 5 at 5; Bielema vs. Beamer; Football Friday with Joey Harrington; The Club Hour

In the third hour of 3 Man Front we heard from Stallions HC Skip Holtz and got a preview of the reigning champs in 2025, discussed the Shane Beamer vs Brett Bielema incident in the Citrus Bowl, and previewed the SEC basketball season! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-15:42) Welcome to year 21 of the show. Just 32 left til Doug reaches his goal of 50 years with the program. Charlie Marlow, Bernie Federko, and Michelle Smallmon joining the show today. Doug's lede is Oregon laying a duck egg. The Rose Bowl sunset really sauntered. Intriguing Final Four in the CFB Playoff.(15:43-32:27) Jackson with the Pete Davison look today? Tim's angry as a hornet. No call on the targeting at the end of Arizona State and Texas. Audio of Kenny Dillingham talking about targeting in college football. Scott Van Pelt audio talking about the no-call. Pretty close to seeing a two-point conversion contest in overtime.(32:28-45:03) Blues put one on the Blackhawks in The Winter Classic. Doug admonishes Chris Chelios's take that St. Louis fans are hillbillies. Chris Kerber reached out to Tim on NYE to hold Doug accountable for his Binnington take. Doug motivated Binner. Do enjoying pork steaks make one a hoosier? "I don't know, I think Binngton's pretty good."(45:04-58:15) Doug's made a 2025 heel turn. Bret Bielema and the Illini took care of Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks. Beamer was banty. Beamer and Bielema audio. Performative toughness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(00:00-15:42) Welcome to year 21 of the show. Just 32 left til Doug reaches his goal of 50 years with the program. Charlie Marlow, Bernie Federko, and Michelle Smallmon joining the show today. Doug's lede is Oregon laying a duck egg. The Rose Bowl sunset really sauntered. Intriguing Final Four in the CFB Playoff. (15:43-32:27) Jackson with the Pete Davison look today? Tim's angry as a hornet. No call on the targeting at the end of Arizona State and Texas. Audio of Kenny Dillingham talking about targeting in college football. Scott Van Pelt audio talking about the no-call. Pretty close to seeing a two-point conversion contest in overtime. (32:28-45:03) Blues put one on the Blackhawks in The Winter Classic. Doug admonishes Chris Chelios's take that St. Louis fans are hillbillies. Chris Kerber reached out to Tim on NYE to hold Doug accountable for his Binnington take. Doug motivated Binner. Do enjoying pork steaks make one a hoosier? "I don't know, I think Binngton's pretty good." (45:04-58:15) Doug's made a 2025 heel turn. Bret Bielema and the Illini took care of Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks. Beamer was banty. Beamer and Bielema audio. Performative toughness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the third hour, Mac & Bone offer their thoughts on the feud between Shane Beamer and Bret Bielema, who took over the Cheez-It Bowl on Tuesday, Justin Melo talks about the Panthers NFL Draft outlook, and the guy talk about the early trends emerging from the first ever 12-team CFP See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, the ILL-INI segment! The Illini complete a 10 win season in over 20 years! They win their bowl game over South Carolina. What does this mean for the future? And what did coach Bielema do to Coach Beamer?? #ILL #illinois #fightingillini #illinifootball Please like, subscribe, review, and share out! https://linktr.ee/thecoachsteveshow Check out belly up sports podcast network! https://bellyupsports.com/ Head to www.guardiansports.com/guardian-caps and use the code: “15OFF” – good for 15% off Guardian Caps to help the impact for football players Get back to the basics with Coach Stone: https://www.coachstonefootball.com/ Get the best sunglasses in the game today! Use for any activity! Go to https://www.yeetzofficial.com/ use the code CSS for 10% off Looking for the cleanest nutrition drink? Looking for the cleanest drink to give you energy without the crash? Head to https://www.swiftlifestyles.com/ and use the code: coachsteveshow to get 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek and Kyle share their thoughts on a wild night of college basketball including how scary Duke can become and North Carolina's struggles. Later, hear from Bret Bielema as he breaks down his 2025 National Signing Day class. The guys also discuss Pat Bryant electing to not play in the Illini's bowl game.

Illinois football is 8-3 after a miraculous Pat Bryant touchdown with four seconds left, lifting them to a 38-31 victory at Rutgers. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of the win, as it helps Bielema's program avoid another "November Swoon" and all but punches their ticket to the Citrus Bowl. There are concerns, from the overall team sloppiness to a poor effort from Aaron Henry's defense. But, it's always better to talk about issues after a win, let alone one as memorable as this one from Piscataway, NJ.

Lon and Kyle continue talking Illinois-Alabama and share their thoughts on Kylan Boswell's big night and the early signs from the Illini's freshmen. Hear from Bret Bielema as he previews his team's matchup with Rutgers. Later, the guys talk a little NFL and take a look at the current playoff picture.

Illinois football improves to 7-3 on the season with a 38-16 win over Michigan State. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of the bounce-back victory, not just for the team but for a nervous fan base. He also reflects on how Bielema has raised the floor of the program in his four seasons and seemingly put Illinois on a sustainable path forward. Next up: at Rutgers on Saturday.

Derek and Kyle react to the first College Football Playoffs and some of the controversial decisions the committee made. Hear from Illini coach Bret Bielema as he discusses his staff's plans during the bye week. Later, the guys discuss their pick of whether Kasparas Jakucionis or Will Riley will ultimately be selected higher in the NBA Draft.

Chip Scoggins, Ryan Burns and Justin Gaard react to the Gophers finally knocking off longtime head coach Bret Bielema with a back and forth effort against Illinois on Saturday. They discuss how the ground game got going, how Darius Taylor has been used and how the defense held up as the day went on. They also preview a game Burnsie has been waiting for for months: Gophers at Rutgers! Finally, Burnsie outlines a few travel issues he had getting to and from Champaign. 

The Sponsors We want to thank Underground Printing for starting this and making it possible—stop by and pick up some gear, check them out at ugpmichiganapparel.com, or check out our selection of shirts on the MGoBlogStore.com. And let's not forget our associate sponsors: Peak Wealth Management, Matt Demorest - Realtor and Lender, Champions Circle, Human Element, Ann Arbor Elder Law, Michigan Law Grad, Venue by 4M, Winewood Organics, Sharon's Heating & Air Conditioning, Royal Oath Insurance Group, Autograph: Fandom Rewarded, who just launched an app where you earn rewards for things like reading MGoBlog and listening to our podcast, SignalWire where we are recording this, and introducing Community Pest Solutions. Featured Musician: Nadim Azzam The Video: [After THE JUMP: Things said.]  --------------------- 1. MSU Preview: Offense starts at the top MSU goes as Aidan Chiles, which is in all directions. Some of those interceptions are freshman; some are just really not accurate. They're bringing him along in an interesting way, which is max protection and letting him look downfield. He has a threat in Nick Marsh who's really emerging in the back half of the season. Other targets are just dudes. OL has some big issues on the right side, look cobbled together. Alarming how well they were able to run the ball consistently against Iowa. Michigan needs to keep Chiles in the pocket. 2. MSU Preview: Defense starts at 19:01 They're weak at defensive tackle but cover it up with their burly LBs playing downhill. Other than play-action pass, what can we do Alex? Probably need to get creative. Consider beefing up if they have Hinton back and can run out multiple OTs, but Evan Link as 7th OL? You don't have the dudes who are going to win those matchups as much anymore. They do give up a big long run per week so many we'll have a Mullings beastquake again. Or maybe just once we'll get an Edwards vs Cal Haladay throw. 3. Illinois After Review starts at 34:30 Brian is NOT as mad at Kirk Campbell as he was before going over the film. There were a lot of good ideas in there that his quarterback just couldn't execute. Offensive line seems to be coming together—Gentry was actually *Good*. Priebe is rounding into a 2nd team all-B10 kind of player. Crippen eh but not terrible. Persi might just be what he is. Tuttle was BAD. The overturned interception was to a guy covering grass—it's not even *at* a receiver. Defensively, yeah, don't put them in a terrible situation. Barham had a great game, they covered a lot of the weird stuff that Bielema dumped on them, but were constantly starting drives at midfield or in Michigan territory. Dammit Wink things have largely disappeared save for 2-minute drills, where they're rushing high and playing soft man. 4. Hoops vs Oakland, and Toledo Preview starts at 59:56 Exhibition showed what we wanted to see, which was not many bad shots against a tricky zone defense. The ball didn't stick: when you can see all of these former PGs together they can all get a little creative. It's not going to be no-turnover but they get very good shots, including free throws. About the Musical Artist: Nadim Azzam Says my friend Nadim Azzam, "You've got to hurt to heal." Through painfully honest self-reflection, Nadim Azzam addresses depression, addiction, and the dysfunctional realities of our times with his songs rooted in hope and connectivity. A Jewish Egyptian-Palestinian American born in Vermont, raised in Southeast Michigan and sent off to the Arizona desert, Nadim's life is hard to pin down - as is his music. A singer, rapper, and songwriter who makes his own beats and plays multiple instruments on his tracks, Nadim's new single "$20 Gold Piece" is out now. Nadim was voted Detroit's finalist in NPR's Tiny Desk Contest by WDET, performing at the Concert of Colors. He has opened for The Kid LAROI at Eastern Michigan University, Robert Glasper, Yebba,  Raheem DeVaughn and Bilal at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. He has previously traveled the United States with Grammy-nominated reggae artist Matisyahu, on a unity tour to promote peace between Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel students on American college campuses. Nadim's music video “The Come Up” won Best Hip-Hop/Rap Video and Audience Choice Award at the 2024 Michigan Music Video Awards. Mystery Offer: Ope, there's an Autograph Mystery Offer in this article. Click HERE to open and claim your prize. Song choices: $20 Gold Piece Revelations (LANDR gddt) Get the Money Also because Across 110th Street will get our Youtubes taken now now, the opener and outro: “The Employee is Not Afraid”—Bear vs. Shark “Ruska Vodka”—Motorboat