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PODCAST

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter is a podcast offering a fan’s perspective on Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball.

sports basketball

All Episodes

01:09:27

Stop. Losing. To. Northwestern. (12/06/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/12/07

Illinois loses at Northwestern for the third year in a row (and the second year in a row in overtime). Mike Carpenter is joined by Kenton Elmore for a special Hot Ones Challenge, trying ten different hot sauces as Brad Underwood's Illini take a 10-point second half lead, only to have Chris Collins' Wildcats take it to overtime before closing the deal. Next up: Illinois hosts Wisconsin on Tuesday night.

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01:02:49

Reflections on the 2024 Illini Football Season...

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/12/03

Now that the dust has settled on the regular season, Mike Carpenter reflects on the 2024 Illinois football team. He discusses how this season improved upon the promise from two years ago, hinting at more sustainable success going forward. Later, he opens the listener mailbag to ask fans how their perceptions of Bret Bielema's program have changed, and what was the signature moment of the season - Xavier Scott's pick-6 vs. Kansas, overtime at Nebraska, the fake punt vs. Michigan, or Pat Bryant's

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51:31

Nine (W)innings (11/30/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/11/30

Illinois football secures just the eighth 9-win season in program history with a 38-28 victory over Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Mike Carpenter reflects on the season and its implications for Bret Bielema's program going forward - from the big home wins against Kansas and Michigan to last-second heroics at Nebraska and Rutgers. The stage is set for the Fighting Illini to head to the Citrus Bowl and take on an SEC opponent.

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51:26

Hog Heaven (11/28/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/11/29

Illinois basketball notches their first quality win of the season with a 90-77 victory over #19 Arkansas. On this Thanksgiving Day, Mike Carpenter is feeling grateful for the current state of Brad Underwood's program, and they took full advantage of a nationally televised opportunity in Kansas City. Kasparas Jakucionis, Tomislav Ivisic, and Kylan Boswell led the way as the Illini maintained a double-digit advantage throughout almost the entire game. Next up: at Northwestern on Friday, December

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01:08:00

The Miracle in Piscataway (11/24/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/11/24

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

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53:51

Tide Rolled (11/20/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/11/21

Sloppy play on both sides of the ball dooms Illinois against red-hot Alabama in a 100-87 loss in Birmingham. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as the Illini twice get it within eight, only to see the Tide respond each time. Will Riley dropped 18 points, Kylan Boswell another 17, and Kasparas Jakucionis another 15. But, it wasn't enough as Brad Underwood's team didn't have enough to counter Nate Oats' 8th ranked Crimson Tide.

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57:40

We're Back, Baby! (11/17/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/11/17

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.

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52:21

Bye Week Babble (11/07/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/11/07

Illinois football is 6-3 during their second bye week, yet a bit of momentum feels lost after two straight losses. Mike Carpenter hits the reset button and looks ahead to the last three games of the year, and discusses where Bret Bielema's team stands entering the home stretch. Later, he opens the listener mailbag and reads how fans are feeling ahead of the Michigan State, Rutgers, and Northwestern games.

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51:56

Oh, Oh, Oh, Will Riley! (11/05/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/11/05

Illinois basketball starts off the 2024-25 season with a 112-67 blowout win over Eastern Illinois. Mike Carpenter discusses the debut of many new faces, including 5-star freshman Will Riley's record-setting 31-point performance, Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn's 21 off the bench, and Tomislav Ivisic and Kasparas Jakucionis' impressive debuts. Meanwhile, Ty Rodgers will redshirt this season, surprising news that broke just before tip-off.

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59:32

Au Revoir, Gopher (10/29/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/10/29

Humbled after a blowout loss at Oregon, Illinois football returns home to face PJ Fleck's Minnesota team. Mike Carpenter discusses the takeaways from Saturday's loss (including a few positives), and what it means for Bret Bielema's team as they enter a winnable home stretch of the season. Later, he opens up the listener mailbag to see how fans think the team will fare in their final four games.

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44:10

Duck Hunt (10/23/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/10/23

Fresh off a memorable home win against Michigan, #20 Illinois hits the road to take on top-ranked Oregon. Mike Carpenter discusses the tall task ahead of Bret Bielema's squad, currently 21.5-point underdogs, as they head to the West Coast. He also talks about how the 6-1 start eases the nerves heading into the marquee matchup, and opens the listener mailbag to see how other fans think Illinois will fare.

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01:19:40

The Game of the Century (10/20/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/10/20

Illinois football celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Memorial Stadium in style, beating 24th-ranked Michigan 21-7 on a perfect Saturday afternoon in Champaign. Mike Carpenter reflects on the momentous win for Bret Bielema's squad, from the Red Grange-inspired throwback uniforms to the electric sold out crowd. He opens up the listener mailbag to discuss what the victory means not just for the football program, but for a loyal fan base longing for sustained success. AVAILABLE NOW! The 200 Level: An

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52:37

Ann Arbor is a What Now? (10/14/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/10/14

It's a big week for Illini football as Michigan comes to town for the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium. Mike Carpenter is chomping at the bit for Saturday and reflects on the journey through the Bret Bielema era to get to this point. He dives into reasons why both teams can come away with a win, but ultimately believes one has a few more advantages than the other.

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55:17

Boiler Ugh! (10/08/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/10/08

Mike Carpenter returns after the bye week to preview Illinois football's matchup against Ryan Walters' struggling Purdue Boilermakers. He opens up the listener mailbag to see how Illini fans think their team will fare over the next four games, and discusses the different paths available for Bret Bielema's team to have a very good-to-great season. AVAILABLE NOW! The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey, by Mike Carpenter Hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook available

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01:21:50

Book Release Event w/ Lon Tay . . . and Dee Brown!...

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/10/04

Mike Carpenter welcomes old friend Lon Tay to help celebrate the release of The 200 Level book! They discuss the writing process, the last 30+ years of Illini basketball, and share memories and experiences along the way. Then, they are joined by an unplanned surprise guest - Dee Brown! - who helps to close things out.

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01:36:48

Not-So-Happy Valley (09/28/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/09/29

Illini football suffers their first loss of the season to 8th-ranked Penn State, 21-7. Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore react during the second half which saw Bret Bielema's squad hang around into the fourth quarter. Ultimately, too many ill-timed mistakes and Penn State's ability to run the ball doomed Illinois. Next up: lowly Purdue on October 12th after a bye week.

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01:06:26

Fantastic Four . . . and Oh (09/23/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/09/23

Illinois football is 4-0, ranked #19, and has a primetime matchup Saturday at #8 Penn State. Mike Carpenter is still basking in the glow, opening up the listener mailbag to see what excites fans the most following Friday's big road win. He discusses the micro and macro positives, and how Bret Bielema's program is positioning itself for success in 2024 and beyond.

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02:07:01

Every Lunney Wants to Rhule the World (09/20/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/09/21

Illinois football is 4-0 after a massive win at Nebraska! Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore react during the second half and overtime as Luke Altmeyer leads the Illini to victory. Bret Bielema's squad gets their second ranked W of the year, will head into Penn State with a top-20 ranking, and now have the nation's attention midway through September.

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50:23

Halfway to a Bowl With Three Quarters to Go (09/17/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/09/17

Illinois football is 3-0 for the first time since 2011, and with it, halfway to bowl eligibility. Best of all? They appear to be just plain old good. Mike Carpenter discusses the team's fast start ahead of a tough pair of road games at Nebraska and Penn State, and opens up the listener mailbag to see how fans are feeling after the first quarter of the season.

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49:29

It's (Already?) Homecoming Week! (09/10/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/09/11

Mike Carpenter is still basking in the glow of the Kansas win ahead of Saturday's Homecoming matchup against Central Michigan. He looks ahead at the rest of the season using Kelley Ford's predictive ratings, and discusses Illini football's chances at a winning season. Then, he opens up the listener mailbag to see if fans' expectations have changed since Saturday night's huge victory.

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