Derek and Kyle discuss whether Illinois needs one its freshmen to emerge as a true star by the end of the year to ultimately have success. Later, the guys preview the Illinois-Rutgers matchup and share some picks for the weekend sports action.
Derek returns and gives his take on the Illini's loss to Alabama and discusses how fixable some of the defensive issues are long term. Later, Derek and Kyle discuss whether it's a good or bad thing that the Illini's veteran guys are the ones that have started the season slow.
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.
Lon and Kyle break down the Illini's 100-87 loss to Alabama and discuss whether or not it altered their opinion of this team. Later, the guys discuss their level of concern about the Illini's struggling defense in the early going.
Lon and Kyle share some thoughts on Illini football's upcoming matchup with Rutgers and how important the last 2 games are for Aaron Henry and his defense. Later, the guys give their biggest keys and a prediction for the Illinois-Alabama game.
Derek Piper joins the show live from Birmingham to preview the key matchups he's watching in the Illinois-Alabama game. Later, Matt Leng from the 3rd and Leng podcast joins the show to break down the biggest local matchups of the weekend in the IHSA playoffs.
Cody Goodwin from Bama 247 joins the show to share his insight on Alabama including what led to their loss at Purdue and what he'll be watching in the matchup against Illinois. Lon and Derek discuss Indiana's CFP resume and the debate surrounding the SEC and the college football playoff. Later, hear from Brad Underwood as he shares his thoughts on the top 25 battle with Alabama.
Lon returns and shares his thoughts on Illini's bounce back football win and Lon and Derek discuss how Brad Underwood has been able to put a Top 25 roster together with ten new players. Later, the guys give out the player they think will be most important for Illinois in its matchup with Alabama.
Derek and Kyle discuss the Big Ten picking up two huge wins in basketball on Friday night with Purdue and Wisconsin's top 10 victories. The guys also share their initial thoughts on the Illinois-Alabama matchup. Later, Derek lets out his Bears pain after another heartbreaking loss to Green Bay.
J Leman joins the show for his weekly football hour to break down the Illini's 38-16 win over Michigan State and the biggest standouts that helped make it happen. J and Derek also discuss some adjustments that worked for Illinois and what the keys are to beating Rutgers.
Lon and Derek discuss Shauna Green's stellar 2025 recruiting class. Later, the guys do the famous 'Who Ya Got?' with Hans Dee.
Lon and Derek open the show discussing Illinois-Michigan State and what this win would mean. Later, Hans Dee drops by and the show gets a little silly.
Lon and Derek discuss their expectations for Kylan Boswell based on what he's shown and what his role needs to be on this team. Later, hear from Brad Underwood following Wednesday's game.
Lon and Derek discuss their thoughts on Illinois' 66-54 win over Oakland on Wednesday night. Later, they highlight Tomislav Ivisic's strong start to this season and what he can do going forward.
Derek and Kyle continue previewing the Illini's matchup with Oakland and discuss whether or not they think Illinois is "drought-proof" despite its style of play. The guys also brainstorm some more Illinois basketball records this team could break on the heels of Riley and Jakucionis's record-setting performances.
Derek and Kyle share the biggest things they're looking for when Illinois takes on Oakland and takes a look at what the Golden Grizzlies will present. Later, the guys discuss their takeaways from the Champions Classic.
Lon and Derek discuss how important a 9-win season would be for Illinois and Lon shares why he'd actually be disappointed with 8 wins. Later, hear from Brad Underwood as he discusses his team's hot offensive start and previews the upcoming matchup with Oakland.
Lon and Derek discuss how bad things have gotten for the Bears on the heels of firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and what's most to blame for the current struggles. The guys also compare the starts to Caleb Williams' and Jayden Daniels' careers and highlight some former Illini having success around the NFL.
Lon and Derek discuss whether Will Riley should start for Illinois at some point this season and whether or not it matters. The guys also share their thoughts on the Illini's new run-and-gun style of play on offense and their first impressions of Tomislav Ivisic.
J Leman joins Lon and Derek for his weekly football hour to discuss the Illini's final three games against Michigan State, Rutgers and Northwestern. The guys talk about fans needed to get re-energized for the final three games after the disappointing loss to Minnesota and some things that need to change for Illinois to be successful.