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The Drive on ESPN 93.5

ESPN 93.5

The Drive is your daily Illini sports podcast from ESPN 93.5. Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone cover Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball, Illinois Fighting Illini football, the Chicago Bears, Cardinals, Cubs and the biggest sports stories in Champaign-Urbana with interviews, analysis, and a lot of laughs. New episodes every weekday. 🎙️

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72 episodes
Avg 53 min
English

Episodes 72

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#2991
Wednesday · 53 min
10/07/26 Hour 2: Big Ten Football Predictions, Early Illinois Basketball Talk & Parenting Advice
Evan and Coop look ahead to a huge Big Ten football slate, making their picks and predictions for Week 6—including Illinois’ critical road matchup with Michigan State. Both the Illini and Spartans enter the game at 2-3 and 0-2 in Big Ten play. Big Ten Conference Then, it’s an early look at Illinois basketball with media day approaching. What are Coop and Evan expecting from the Illini as the season gets closer? Finally, the guys wrap up the show with some parenting advice, because apparently sports talk can only solve so many problems. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, TikTok, and the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, NFL and sports talk.
#2990
Wednesday · 55 min
10/07/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football Talk, Fisher Head Coach Jeff Palmer Joins The Drive & Evan’s NFL Week 4 Top 5/Bottom 5
Evan and Coop dive into the state of Illinois football following the Illini’s disappointing 24-17 Homecoming loss to Purdue. Illinois is now 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play, with Michigan State up next. University of Illinois Athletics Then, Fisher High School Head Coach Jeff Palmer joins the show to talk football and what’s happening with the Bunnies. Plus, Evan unveils his Top 5 and Bottom 5 from NFL Week 4, including the biggest winners, biggest disappointments and performances that caught his attention around the league. Week 4 featured standout performances from players like Drake Maye, C.J. Stroud and Tetairoa McMillan. amp.nfl.com Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, TikTok, and the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, NFL and sports talk.
#2989
Tuesday · 54 min
10/06/26 Hour 2: Darius Wabbington Picks Indiana, Lane Johnson Retires & Evan Gets Mad Over the Tuesday Draft
The Drive reacts to 5-star 2027 basketball recruit Darius Wabbington committing to Indiana over Illinois and Arizona, plus the stunning news that Eagles All-Pro offensive tackle Lane Johnson is retiring after 14 NFL seasons. Then things get heated as Evan gets mad at Kurtis & Cooper over the Tuesday Draft, this week’s topic: pizza toppings. Plus, Evan goes head-to-head with the Text Line, the guys continue to vent over Illinois’ loss to Purdue, and they look ahead at the Illini’s remaining schedule. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating and review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, TikTok, and the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, and Chicago sports coverage.
#2988
Tuesday · 55 min
10/06/26 Hour 1: Doug Bucshon on Illinois’ Purdue Loss, Michigan State Preview & Big Ten Media Days; Bears-Packers Flexed Out of Prime Time
Doug Bucshon from Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down Illinois’ frustrating 24-17 Homecoming loss to Purdue, what went wrong for the Illini, and where the program goes from here. Doug also previews Illinois’ upcoming matchup with Michigan State and looks back at what stood out from Big Ten Media Days. The Daily Illini Plus, the guys react to the Bears vs. Packers getting flexed out of prime time and what it says about the matchup. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating and review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, TikTok, and the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, and Chicago sports coverage.
#2987
Monday · 53 min
10/05/26 Hour 2: Bears Crush Jets, Gear Up for Packers Week; Illini Fans Sound Off After Purdue Loss
The Bears are rolling into Packers Week after a dominant 23-12 win over the Jets, improving to 3-1. Tyson Bagent threw for 268 yards while Kyle Monangai ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns as Chicago's defense held New York to just 157 total yards. Now, the Bears head to Lambeau Field for a huge NFC North matchup with Green Bay. Meanwhile, Illini fans vent their frustrations after Illinois' embarrassing 24-17 Homecoming loss to Purdue dropped the Illini to 2-3 and 0-2 in Big Ten play. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, TikTok, and the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more sports talk.
#2986
Monday · 55 min
10/05/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour — Illinois Falls to Purdue, Where Do the Illini Go From Here & Can the Defense Be Saved?
The J Leman Hour is here after a brutal Homecoming loss. Illinois falls to Purdue 24-17, dropping the Illini to 2-3 and 0-2 in Big Ten play. J Leman joins The Drive to break down what went wrong against the Boilermakers, where Illinois goes from here, and whether this season can still be salvaged. Plus, can the Illini defense be fixed after the midseason departure of Bobby Hauck and another frustrating performance? Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, TikTok, and the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, Cubs, Cardinals and sports talk.
#2985
October 2 · 55 min
10/02/26 Hour 2: Jimmy Sobeski Previews Illinois vs. Purdue; Etched in Stone & Score Predictions; Friday Toasts
The final Illinois vs. Purdue preview is here! Jimmy Sobeski returns to The Drive to break down Saturday’s Homecoming matchup, including the biggest keys, matchups to watch and what could decide the Cannon Trophy game. Illinois enters the matchup 2-2, while Purdue is 1-3, with kickoff set for 3:15 p.m. CT at Gies Memorial Stadium. Then it's time for Etched in Stone, the guys make their Illinois vs. Purdue score predictions, and we wrap up the week with Friday Toasts! Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review wherever you listen! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, plus the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, Cubs, Cardinals and Central Illinois sports coverage.
#2984
October 2 · 55 min
10/02/26 Hour 1: 10/02/26 Hour 1: Sam King on Purdue vs. Illinois Homecoming; Are the Browns For Real?
Purdue perspective ahead of Illinois Homecoming! Sam King of the Journal & Courier joins The Drive to preview Saturday’s Cannon Trophy matchup, including the Boilermakers’ offense, injuries, Illinois’ defensive changes and what Purdue sees coming into Champaign. Plus, the guys ask: Are the Cleveland Browns for real? What should we make of their start, and can they keep it going? Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review wherever you listen! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, plus the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, Cubs, Cardinals and Central Illinois sports coverage.
#2983
October 1 · 53 min
10/01/26 Hour 2: The Drive Live from Pia’s; Illinois Tennis Coach Brad Dancer; More Illini vs. Purdue Homecoming Preview
The Drive continues LIVE from Pia’s with Illinois men's tennis head coach Brad Dancer. We talk Illini tennis, the program's upcoming fall schedule and what Dancer sees from his team heading into the next stretch of the season. Then it's back to Illinois vs. Purdue as we continue our Homecoming preview. The Illini host the Boilermakers Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT at Gies Memorial Stadium, with The Cannon on the line and Illinois looking to keep the trophy in Champaign for a third straight season. Plus, more discussion surrounding Illinois Homecoming, the matchup with Purdue and what to watch for when the Illini take the field Saturday. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, plus the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illinois, Bears, Cubs, Cardinals and sports coverage.
#2982
October 1 · 49 min
10/01/26: Hour 1: The Drive Live From Pia's, Illinois baseball coach Dan Hartleb, Illini v.s. Purdue Preview, Thursday Night Prop
The Drive is LIVE from Pia’s! We kick off the show with Illinois baseball head coach Dan Hartleb, who joins us to talk Illini baseball, the 2026 season and the program moving forward. Hartleb has been Illinois' head coach since 2006 and is the winningest coach in program history. Then we turn our attention to Illinois vs. Purdue. The Illini host the Boilermakers Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT for Homecoming with The Cannon on the line. We break down the matchup, key storylines and what Illinois needs to do to get back in the win column. Plus, it's time for Thursday Night Props as we look for some winning angles heading into the NFL weekend. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, plus the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illinois, Bears, Cubs, Cardinals and sports coverage.
#2981
September 30 · 53 min
09/30/26 Hour 2: Illinois vs Purdue by the Numbers; How Do You Cope With Your Team's Most Devastating Loss?; Evan Gets Mad at Coop Over Creed & Korn
The Illinois vs. Purdue numbers deep dive continues as we break down more of the key stats heading into Saturday's Homecoming matchup for the Cannon. Illinois enters at 2-2 while Purdue is 1-3, with kickoff set for 3:15 p.m. CT at Gies Memorial Stadium. Then we ask a very important question: How did you cope with your favorite team's most devastating loss? We share stories, commiserate with fellow sports fans and revisit some of the losses that still sting. And finally, things get heated when Evan gets mad at Coop over Creed & Korn. Yes, we're talking music, questionable opinions and another classic Drive argument. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, plus the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more sports, Illinois, Bears, Cubs and Cardinals coverage.
#2980
September 30 · 55 min
09/30/26 Hour 1: Cubs Crushed 8-0 by Padres in Game 1; Game 2 Preview; Illinois vs Purdue by the Numbers & Illini Headlines
The Cubs were crushed 8-0 by the Padres in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series. We break down what went wrong in San Diego and preview Game 2, with Kevin Gausman taking the mound against Nick Pivetta. Then it's Illinois vs. Purdue by the Numbers ahead of Saturday's Homecoming matchup for The Cannon. We dig into the key statistics, including Katin Houser's impressive season, Collin Dixon's production and Illinois' defensive and special-teams numbers. Plus, we run through the latest Illini Headlines from around Illinois athletics. Listen, subscribe, and leave The Drive a 5-star rating/review! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, and follow the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illinois, Bears, Cubs, Cardinals and sports coverage.
#2979
September 29 · 56 min
09/29/26 Hour 2: Mike Cagley on Bobby Hauck Fallout & Illinois-Purdue; MLB Playoff Predictions; Tuesday Draft: Worst Career to Be Unqualified For
Mike Cagley of Illini Guys joins The Drive to break down the fallout from Bobby Hauck's departure as Illinois defensive coordinator and what the coaching change could mean for the Illini heading into Saturday's Homecoming matchup with Purdue. Illinois enters the game at 2-2, while Purdue is 1-3, with The Cannon on the line. With the 2026 MLB Playoffs getting underway, The Drive makes its postseason predictions and discusses the biggest storylines heading into the Wild Card round, including the Cubs-Padres matchup. Then it's time for the Tuesday Draft: Worst Career to Be Unqualified For! The guys draft the jobs they'd least want to attempt without the skills or qualifications needed to succeed. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review wherever you listen! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, and follow the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, NFL and Central Illinois sports coverage.
#2978
September 29 · 56 min
09/29/26 Hour 1: Bears Crush Eagles Behind Case Keenum; Doug Bucshon on Bobby Hauck Fallout & Illinois-Purdue Preview
The Bears stunned the Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football as Case Keenum stepped in and delivered a huge performance, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns while the Chicago defense forced three turnovers. Then, Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down the fallout from Bobby Hauck's departure as Illinois defensive coordinator, what went wrong for the Illini defense, and how Bret Bielema and Illinois move forward. Doug also previews Illinois vs. Purdue as the Illini return home for Homecoming. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review wherever you listen! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, and follow the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page for more Illini, Bears, NFL and Central Illinois sports coverage.
#2977
September 28 · 53 min
09/28/26 Hour 2: Chris Kwiecinski From FOX32 Chicago Previews Bears vs Eagles on Monday Night Football; Your Questions on Bobby Hauck’s Illinois Departure
Chris Kwiecinski from FOX 32 Chicago joins The Drive to preview Bears vs Eagles on Monday Night Football, including the biggest storylines heading into the matchup. Plus, we answer your texts and take your questions about Bobby Hauck’s departure as Illinois defensive coordinator and what it means for the Illini moving forward. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review wherever you listen! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram and TikTok, and follow ESPN 93.5 on Facebook for more Illinois, Bears and sports coverage.
#2976
September 28 · 56 min
09/28/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour — Bobby Hauck OUT as Illinois Defensive Coordinator; Where Do the Illini Go From Here?
Bobby Hauck is out as Illinois defensive coordinator after just four games. J Leman joins The Drive to break down the surprising change, what went wrong with the Illini defense, and where Bret Bielema and Illinois go from here. Plus, J digs into the biggest storylines surrounding Illinois football following the loss to Ohio State and looks ahead to what comes next. Illinois announced Sunday that Hauck and the program mutually agreed to part ways after the defense struggled through the first four games of the 2026 season.
#2975
September 25 · 52 min
09/25/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague Previews Illinois vs. Ohio State & Bears vs. Eagles; Etched in Stone; Friday Toasts
Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins The Drive to break down how Illinois can slow down Ohio State’s dangerous pass rush and what the Illini need to do to protect the quarterback. Plus, Brian previews the Chicago Bears’ Monday Night Football matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Then it’s time for Etched in Stone and the always-popular Friday Toasts to wrap up the week on The Drive. Enjoying The Drive? Subscribe and leave us a 5-star review! It helps more Illinois sports fans find the show. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
#2974
September 25 · 54 min
09/25/26 Hour 1: Doug Bucshon Breaks Down Illinois vs. Ohio State; The Texts Blow Up With A NIL Money Debate; Falcons Crush Packers
Doug Bucshon of Orange and Blue News joins The Drive to break down the X’s and O’s of Illinois’ upcoming matchup with No. 7 Ohio State in Columbus. What does Illinois need to do to slow down the Buckeyes, and where could the Illini find opportunities offensively? Plus, Kurtis and Evan get into a heated discussion about NIL money, donations and the financial landscape of college athletics. And the guys react to the Atlanta Falcons’ dominant 35-14 Thursday Night Football win over the Green Bay Packers.
#2973
September 24 · 48 min
09/24/26 Hour 2: Can Illinois Keep Pace With Ohio State? Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Next Move & Win Illini vs Purdue Tickets
Can the Illinois offense keep pace with No. 7 Ohio State when the Illini open Big Ten play in Columbus? Katin Houser and the Illini offense have been productive through three games, but Saturday presents a major challenge against the Buckeyes. Plus, where could Marvin Harrison Jr. revive his career? The Drive breaks down potential landing spots and what could be next for the former Ohio State star. And don’t miss your chance to win tickets to Illinois vs. Purdue at Homecoming! Listen to Hour 2 of The Drive for Illinois vs. Ohio State, Marvin Harrison Jr., NFL talk, and your chance to win Illini football tickets. Enjoying The Drive? Subscribe and leave us a 5-star review! It helps more Illinois sports fans find the show.
#2972
September 24 · 59 min
09/24/26 Hour 1: Legendary Jim Cornelison Joins The Drive; Cubs & White Sox Clinch Playoff Berths
The legendary Jim Cornelison joins The Drive to talk Chicago sports, his iconic national anthem performances, and what it means to be part of some of the biggest moments in Chicago sports history. Plus, it’s a huge day for Chicago baseball! The Cubs and White Sox both clinched playoff berths, marking the first time both teams secured postseason spots on the same day. The Cubs defeated the Marlins 2-1 behind another big day from Pete Crow-Armstrong, while the White Sox crushed the Royals 9-1 to secure their first playoff appearance since 2021. Meanwhile, the Cardinals fell to the Pirates and will officially end the season under .500. Listen to Hour 1 of The Drive for Jim Cornelison, Chicago sports, Cubs, White Sox, Cardinals and more! Enjoying The Drive? Subscribe and leave us a 5-star review! It helps more Illinois sports fans find the show.

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