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The Drive on ESPN 93.5
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The Drive on ESPN 93.5

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The Drive with Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone airs weekdays 3-6pm on ESPN 93.5 in Champaign-Urbana!
2689 Episodes
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Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to break down Illinois vs. Indiana and what’s at stake in the Big Ten race. Samuel Akem is an All-American wide receiver and played for Bobby Hauck. He delivers a must-listen conversation about Hauck’s 3-3-5 defensive philosophy and what it could mean for the Illini. The X’s and O’s take center stage as we dive into scheme, toughness, and identity. Plus, we wrap it up with our Friday Toasts to close out the week on a high note.
Ronnie Bradford and Roger Cooper are former Defensive Coordinators for Bobby Hauck and they're the latest additions to Bret Bielema’s staff. Bielema continues to reshape his new 3-3-5 defense. On the hardwood, Nick Rodecap from WIUX-FM and The Hoosier Network breaks down Illinois vs. Indiana and what the matchup means in the Big Ten race. It’s a busy stretch in Champaign as both football and basketball storylines continue to build momentum.
More highlights rolled in from Bobby Hauck’s press conference, where he mixed serious football talk with a few personality-filled moments. We also dove into another edition of Etched in Stone, tossing around takes, predictions, and a little friendly debate on tonight's money lines. And we got to know "Newphew" Cooper O'Kelly beyond the bylines, including some fun stories about his path into covering Illinois athletics. Plus, we talked about his work with The Champaign Room and why Illini fans might want to keep an eye on what he’s writing next.
Bobby Hauck’s introductory press conference highlighted his vision for Illinois’ defense and the culture he wants to build moving forward. Cooper O’Kelly shared key updates and takeaways from the event, including early reactions from players and staff. The conversation also shifted to the current state of Illini basketball as the season reaches a critical stretch. Carson Gourdie added analysis on recent performances and what Illinois needs to improve to stay competitive in the Big Ten race.
Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports joins the show to break down the remaining Big Ten basketball schedule and which teams have the clearest path to a conference title. We look at key matchups that could decide the race down the stretch. The conversation also shifts to our draft results for the best Illini players since 2000. Hear which names made the cut and where the biggest debates happened. Who wins - Kurtis, Evan, or Cooper?
Colleen Kane from the Chicago Tribune joins the show to break down Illinois’ tough 92–90 loss to Wisconsin. The narrow defeat had head coach Brad Underwood visibly frustrated as the Illini search for answers late in the season. We discuss key moments that swung the game and what it means moving forward. Plus, some fans are beginning to question the energy and impact of the Orange Krush student section.
The All-American J Leman breaks down the hiring of new Illini Defensive Coordinator Barry Hauck, discussing his scheme and what it means for the defense moving forward. He shares insight into how the Illini roster could fit within Hauck’s system and the expectations heading into the season. Tuesday is Draft Day! This week's segment highlights the best Illini basketball players since 2000. Hear debate, analysis, and plenty of Illini nostalgia as the crew builds their all-era lists. Vote for the winner on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
"The Great" Kyle Tausk joins us this hour to preview Illinois vs Wisconsin at State Farm Center. How will the Illini bounce back after a tough loss at Michigan State? Why will the guards determine tonight's winner?  Plus we dive into new Defensive Coordinator Bobby Houck's 3-3-5 Defense; and what are some Olympic athletes injecting into themselves?  
BREAKING: Illinois Football has named longtime Montana head coach Bobby Hauck as its new defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Henry and bringing decades of experience to Champaign. Hauck, one of the winningest coaches in Big Sky history, recently stepped down at Montana before making the move to the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Tristan Thomas joins the conversation to break down the latest with Illini basketball as the team continues its push through conference play. He also discusses standout performances and storylines from the local high school basketball scene.
Brad Sturdy of Illini Guys breaks down Illinois’ tough overtime loss to Michigan State, a game that left the locker room frustrated after a close battle. He also previews the Illini’s upcoming matchup with Wisconsin as the team looks to bounce back quickly in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, former Illini standout Devon Witherspoon delivered a huge performance in the Super Bowl, helping lead Seattle’s dominant defense to a 29–13 win. Witherspoon’s big plays — including a sack and a game-changing strip — helped seal a championship night for the Seahawks.
Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS-TV joins us this hour to talk Illinois vs Michigan State. We also hear from Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. Get both perspectives ahead of the Illini vs Sparty. And it's Super Bowl Weekend! Kurtis tests your knowledge with Super Bowl trivia, Evan's "Etched in Stone" features Super Bowl prop bets, and we give our score predictions. Plus our Friday Toasts! Cheers!
Doug Bucshon is the publisher of Orange and Blue News, a part of the On3 family, and has covered Illinois athletics for years. He joins us this hour to discuss Illinois vs Michigan State, Jeremy Fears' issues, Underwood vs Izzo, Keaton Wagler, and much more!  We also talk with Doug about some of the changes to Bret Bielema's coaching staff, including the addition of TE Coach Jared Elliot and the loss of D-Line coach Terrance Jamison. Plus, Brad Underwood's presser and more!
The Chicago Bulls traded former-Illini star Ayo Dosumnu to the Timberwolves, which also happens to be the home of Terrence Shannon Jr. We discuss the trade with NBA Insider Dr. Daniel Thompson. Dr. Thompson also does an incredible job covering the Illini women's basketball team for Basketball Society. He helps us break down Illinois' tough loss last night at Oregon. Is Leslie Frazier a candidate for the Illinois defensive coordinator position? What about Kevin Richardson? Both have connections to the Illini and/or Bret Bielema. 
The Illini put together their most dominant performance of the year with an 84-44 victory over Northwestern at State Farm Center. Five Illinois players were in double figures and Andrej Stojakovic led the way with 17 points. We break down the game and look ahead to Saturday at Michigan State. Speaking of Michigan State, is Tom Izzo overrated? Evan Stone thinks that's the case and the text lines lit UP.  Plus, who will be the next Illinois Football defensive coordinator?
The one and only Lon Tay is back on the Drive for a full hour! Uncle Lon updates us on life, his thoughts on Illinois football, Cardinals baseball, and the incredible run of Illinois basketball! This is a must-listen!
Chris Kwiecinski of FOX32 Chicago joins us to break down the Illini matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats. We discuss key storylines, expectations, and what to watch in the rivalry game. Plus, a look at Keaton Wagler’s recent award wins and what they mean moving forward.
Brian Teague is back on the show to wrap up his coverage of the Senior Bowl and talk NFL Draft. Plus, who does Brian think will replace Aaron Henry as the new Defensive Coordinator for Illinois football? And who should the BEARS draft at the number 25 spot? Tuesday equals Draft Day! Today's draft is The Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows ever. Who wins? Who did we miss? Vote on Twitter, Instagram, and our Facebook page. We have a surprise guest for tomorrow's show. Who is it? Find out this hour.
Dave Wischnowsky has covered Illini athletics for years. So when he says this year's men's team is as good as the 04-05 squad, you should listen. Check out this great conversation! Plus, the Cardinals moved Brendan Donovan. We look at their current draft stock and farm system.
Our guy the All-American J Leman joins us this hour to discuss Aaron Henry's departure from Illinois football. Henry is headed to Notre Dame to be the new Co-Defensive Coordinator. Who will replace him? J discusses possible replacements and how much it might cost Illinois to pay a new coordinator. Plus, Illinois Athletics had an incredible weekend with ranked wins in basketball, track & field, tennis, and wrestling. This led to an all-timer moment from Evan Stone. Plus, Evan is on a roll with Etched in Stone. Will that continue tonight?
The Illinois Men's basketball team got their 2nd road win against a Top 5 opponent in as many weeks, 77-69 over Nebraska. Now the Illini are ranked Number 5 in the country and Keaton Wagler earned his fifth Freshman of the Week award. It's a lot of numbers and our guy "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us this hour to break it all down!
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