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

In the opening game of the Big Ten season, Lovie Smith's Illini gets wafflestomped by the Wisconsin Badgers 45-7. Mike Carpenter is joined by co-hosts Harry Black, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose as they react to one of the worst performances of the Lovie Smith era.

In the opening game of the Big Ten season, Lovie Smith's Illini gets wafflestomped by the Wisconsin Badgers 45-7. Mike Carpenter is joined by co-hosts Harry Black, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose as they react to one of the worst performances of the Lovie Smith era.

On the eve of a Friday night tilt between Illinois and Wisconsin, Mike Carpenter discusses the big opportunity for the Illini in the Big Ten season opener. Later, he analyzes the short-term and long-term expectations of the Lovie Smith era as it enters year five.

On the eve of a Friday night tilt between Illinois and Wisconsin, Mike Carpenter discusses the big opportunity for the Illini in the Big Ten season opener. Later, he analyzes the short-term and long-term expectations of the Lovie Smith era as it enters year five.

The countdown to Illini football is down to single digits, while the Illini basketball schedule begins to take shape. Mike Carpenter analyzes how the non-conference can firm up the basketball team's tournament seeding, and the unique opportunity for Lovie Smith's team opening at Wisconsin on a Friday night.

The countdown to Illini football is down to single digits, while the Illini basketball schedule begins to take shape. Mike Carpenter analyzes how the non-conference can firm up the basketball team's tournament seeding, and the unique opportunity for Lovie Smith's team opening at Wisconsin on a Friday night.

Titled in honor of the great Eddie Van Halen, Mike Carpenter is buzzing after a huge Bears victory over Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Fifteen days away from the season opener, what should expectations be for Lovie Smith's Illini as they take on the Wisconsin Badgers?  

Titled in honor of the great Eddie Van Halen, Mike Carpenter is buzzing after a huge Bears victory over Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Fifteen days away from the season opener, what should expectations be for Lovie Smith's Illini as they take on the Wisconsin Badgers?  

Illinois basketball is putting the finishing touches on its non-conference schedule. Mike Carpenter is excited at the possibility of Baylor, a top ACC team, and the Thanksgiving holiday "multi-team event" at the State Farm Center. Meanwhile, Lovie Smith's squad is 18 days away from their season opener at Wisconsin.

Illinois basketball is putting the finishing touches on its non-conference schedule. Mike Carpenter is excited at the possibility of Baylor, a top ACC team, and the Thanksgiving holiday "multi-team event" at the State Farm Center. Meanwhile, Lovie Smith's squad is 18 days away from their season opener at Wisconsin.