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

Lovie Smith's Illini dominate Scott Frost's Huskers 41-23, winning their second game in a row behind Brandon Peters and five defensive takeaways. Mike Carpenter reacts to the shocking win with Harry Black and Isaac Ambrose. 

Lovie Smith's Illini dominate Scott Frost's Huskers 41-23, winning their second game in a row behind Brandon Peters and five defensive takeaways. Mike Carpenter reacts to the shocking win with Harry Black and Isaac Ambrose. 

Illini basketball is less than a week away. Mike Carpenter breaks down the roster and schedule, along with the sky-high expectations for the best team since 2004-05. In a season that's bound to be the weirdest ever, why not win a conference title and grab that elusive national championship?

Illini basketball is less than a week away. Mike Carpenter breaks down the roster and schedule, along with the sky-high expectations for the best team since 2004-05. In a season that's bound to be the weirdest ever, why not win a conference title and grab that elusive national championship?

The win at Rutgers provided temporary relief, but the success of this Illini football team - and the future of Lovie Smith - are very much on the line this Saturday. Mike Carpenter discusses the tall task ahead, the complications of making a coaching change during a pandemic, and some surly interactions between Lovie and local sports media.

The win at Rutgers provided temporary relief, but the success of this Illini football team - and the future of Lovie Smith - are very much on the line this Saturday. Mike Carpenter discusses the tall task ahead, the complications of making a coaching change during a pandemic, and some surly interactions between Lovie and local sports media.

It was the Isaiah Williams show in Piscataway, NJ as Lovie Smith's Illini got off the schneid against Rutgers. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half with Trevor Vallese, Harry Black and Isaac Ambrose, while balancing the enjoyment of a win with lingering questions about coaching.

It was the Isaiah Williams show in Piscataway, NJ as Lovie Smith's Illini got off the schneid against Rutgers. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half with Trevor Vallese, Harry Black and Isaac Ambrose, while balancing the enjoyment of a win with lingering questions about coaching.

Illinois basketball nets their signing of the 2021 class with Luke Goode, a sharpshooting guard from Indiana. Mike Carpenter discusses the new addition, Ayo Dosunmu's appearance on the preseason All-American team, and the uncertainty with scheduling. Meanwhile, Lovie Smith's Illini face a must-win against Rutgers, but . . . does it even really matter?

Illinois basketball nets their signing of the 2021 class with Luke Goode, a sharpshooting guard from Indiana. Mike Carpenter discusses the new addition, Ayo Dosunmu's appearance on the preseason All-American team, and the uncertainty with scheduling. Meanwhile, Lovie Smith's Illini face a must-win against Rutgers, but . . . does it even really matter?