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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

48:32

Moc Party (09/19/22)

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

2022/09/20

The Illini return from a bye week with a Thursday night matchup against the Chattanooga Mocs. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of starting 3-1, the continuing badness of the Big Ten West, and the many paths to a winning season. Also, a way-too-early (but what the heck) look at the full Illinois basketball schedule.

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51:18

A Beautiful Mess (09/11/22)

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

2022/09/11

Despite turnovers and penalties, the Illini dominate Virginia 24-3 one year after a blowout loss in Charlottesville. Mike Carpenter reacts to Illinois' stifling defense, signs of life from the offense, and a troubling kicking game. In a putrid Big Ten West division, does Bret Bielema's team have a chance to make some noise?

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51:22

Virginia in the ’Paign (09/06/22)

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

2022/09/07

Don't let the obscure DMB song title reference fool you . . . this is a must win game for Illinois football, currently favored by 5 points over Virginia. Mike Carpenter reflects on why Friday was such a disappointment, and what it will take Saturday (and beyond) for Illini fans to get fully onboard with Bielema and Co.

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01:52:32

Tomfoolery (09/02/22)

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

2022/09/03

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Come for the emotional roller coaster of your 35-year-old podcast host, stay for the inevitable late-game collapse by an Illinois football team.

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56:11

Indiana Jonesin’ (08/31/22)

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

2022/08/31

We're days away from Illinois football's Big Ten opener at Indiana. Mike Carpenter previews Friday night's game against the Hoosiers, and why Illini fans should be confident despite being a 3-point underdog. Also, Amani Hansberry commits to Brad Underwood's program, continuing Illini basketball's torrid streak on the recruiting trail.

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56:11

Bohl Bowl (08/28/22)

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

2022/08/28

Bret Bielema's Illini kick off the season with an impressive 38-6 win over Craig Bohl's Wyoming Cowboys. Mike Carpenter reacts to the game with The 200 Level's Twitch crew, from a solid debut by Tommy DeVito to yet another stout defensive effort. He also discusses the gameday experience at Memorial Stadium, and Nebraska's embarrassing loss to Northwestern.

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50:38

It’s Game Week! (08/23/22)

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

2022/08/24

Week Zero is here! Mike Carpenter's excitement for the 2022 Illini football season is matched by Bret Bielema, who heaped praise on the team days before the home opener. In addition to a discussion of the Wyoming Cowboys, Mike Carpenter analyzes Bielema's press conference, talks about the atmosphere at Memorial Stadium, and why he is so bullish on this year's team.

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49:47

Secrets of a Successful Season (08/18/22)

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

2022/08/19

Mike Carpenter returns with a live podcast which asks the question: what would qualify as a successful 2022 Illini football season? Likewise, what would be considered a failure? He checks out the latest projected depth chart from Illini Inquirer, and also discusses the mammoth TV deal inked by the Big Ten Conference.

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55:59

Don’t Stop Bielemin’ (08/15/22)

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

2022/08/15

Year two of the Bret Bielema Era is about to get underway as The 200 Level returns for its fourth season. Mike Carpenter recalls previous year twos for Illini football head coaches, and then looks ahead to the 2022 season. Along with a breakdown of the offense and defense, he analyzes an easier-than-expected schedule before predicting the W-L record for Bielema's second squad.

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28:07

Mayer of Campustown (05/28/22)

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

2022/05/28

The good news keeps coming for Brad Underwood's Illini, as they land Baylor transfer Matthew Mayer. Mike Carpenter discusses the addition, Illinois basketball's incredible depth, how the program is "cool" again, and why this roster is primed to win another conference title and make a deep tournament run.

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29:48

The Portal Giveth (05/01/22)

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

2022/05/02

Illinois basketball secures another big commitment, this time from the transfer portal: Terrence Shannon Jr., a 6'6" wing who can fill it up and play lock down D. Mike Carpenter reacts to the news, compares the Underwood era to Self's tenure, and digs into the delicious rivalry that's developed between the Illini and Michigan basketball programs.

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34:58

Kofi Proburn (04/20/22)

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

2022/04/20

Kofi Cockburn announces his decision to go pro, leaving as an all-time Illini great. Mike Carpenter reflects on Kofi's three seasons in Champaign, his immediate impact on the fortunes of Illinois basketball, and how his legacy stacks up against other legends. Also, he discusses the likelihood of Kofi getting drafted, the puzzling aspects of the decision, and why fans should still be optimistic going forward.

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34:52

Skyy’s the Commit (04/07/22)

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

2022/04/07

Skyy Clark, a 5-star point guard, commits to Brad Underwood's Illinois basketball program. Mike Carpenter discusses the huge addition, and how it signals a new era of sustainable success. Also, he looks at the Illini roster next year and how it will fare both in conference play and nationally.

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35:59

The Offseason Cometh (03/29/22)

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

2022/03/29

Transfers, portals, commits . . . oh my! With so many things to keep track of, Mike Carpenter takes a dive into all the offseason storylines, beginning with the transfer of Andre Curbelo. Later, he discusses names that should excite any Illini basketball fan, and why there are few (if any) programs in the Big Ten in better shape going forward.

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50:38

Gratitude (03/22/22)

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

2022/03/22

Another season ends, but in contrast to the empty feeling from last year, Mike Carpenter feels gratitude for what this Illini team accomplished. He discusses how the last three years of Illinois basketball have brought the program back from the dead, and how the immediate and long-term future of Underwood's tenure are brighter than ever.

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31:57

Round of 32 Preview (03/19/22)

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

2022/03/19

Ahead of Sunday morning's matchup against Houston, Mike Carpenter takes a quick look back at Chattanooga before looking ahead to Illinois' next test. He discusses how the Illini can beat the Cougars, some positive takeaways from Friday, and how in March, you can expect the unexpected.

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01:18:21

Coleman Blockins (03/18/22)

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

2022/03/19

Somehow, someway, the Illini advance to the Round of 32. Mike Carpenter, Issac Ambrose and Kenton Elmore react during the second half of Illinois' win over Chattanooga, which featured a lot of frustration but also big moments from Coleman Hawkins, Alfonso Plummer, and Kofi Cockburn.

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44:26

It’s Time (03/17/22)

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

2022/03/17

The NCAA Tournament is here, and the Illini have an opportunity to make a run. Mike Carpenter discusses why the extended break should help this team physically and mentally, and why analyzing matchups can be fruitless in a one-and-done setting. Finally, he talks about the weight Illinois basketball fans feel whenever March Madness begins.

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01:09:28

Selection Show Special (03/13/22)

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

2022/03/13

Illinois basketball has a chance to avenge a 1997 tournament loss when they face Chattanooga on Friday, and a possible revenge game against Kelvin Sampson's Houston to follow. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react during the bracket reveal, and discuss the path forward for Brad Underwood's Illini.

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01:05:31

Poo-sier (03/11/22)

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

2022/03/11

The Illini lose the Big Ten Tournament opener to Indiana. If you're a glutton for punishment, here's Mike Carpenter riding the roller coaster for an hour. We'll be back for Selection Sunday.

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542 results

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