The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

Derek and Kyle discuss whether Illinois needs one its freshmen to emerge as a true star by the end of the year to ultimately have success. Later, the guys preview the Illinois-Rutgers matchup and share some picks for the weekend sports action.

Derek returns and gives his take on the Illini's loss to Alabama and discusses how fixable some of the defensive issues are long term. Later, Derek and Kyle discuss whether it's a good or bad thing that the Illini's veteran guys are the ones that have started the season slow.

Lon and Kyle continue talking Illinois-Alabama and share their thoughts on Kylan Boswell's big night and the early signs from the Illini's freshmen. Hear from Bret Bielema as he previews his team's matchup with Rutgers. Later, the guys talk a little NFL and take a look at the current playoff picture.

Lon and Kyle break down the Illini's 100-87 loss to Alabama and discuss whether or not it altered their opinion of this team. Later, the guys discuss their level of concern about the Illini's struggling defense in the early going.

Lon and Kyle share some thoughts on Illini football's upcoming matchup with Rutgers and how important the last 2 games are for Aaron Henry and his defense. Later, the guys give their biggest keys and a prediction for the Illinois-Alabama game.

Derek Piper joins the show live from Birmingham to preview the key matchups he's watching in the Illinois-Alabama game. Later, Matt Leng from the 3rd and Leng podcast joins the show to break down the biggest local matchups of the weekend in the IHSA playoffs.

Cody Goodwin from Bama 247 joins the show to share his insight on Alabama including what led to their loss at Purdue and what he'll be watching in the matchup against Illinois. Lon and Derek discuss Indiana's CFP resume and the debate surrounding the SEC and the college football playoff. Later, hear from Brad Underwood as he shares his thoughts on the top 25 battle with Alabama.

Lon returns and shares his thoughts on Illini's bounce back football win and Lon and Derek discuss how Brad Underwood has been able to put a Top 25 roster together with ten new players. Later, the guys give out the player they think will be most important for Illinois in its matchup with Alabama.

Derek and Kyle discuss the Big Ten picking up two huge wins in basketball on Friday night with Purdue and Wisconsin's top 10 victories. The guys also share their initial thoughts on the Illinois-Alabama matchup. Later, Derek lets out his Bears pain after another heartbreaking loss to Green Bay.

J Leman joins the show for his weekly football hour to break down the Illini's 38-16 win over Michigan State and the biggest standouts that helped make it happen. J and Derek also discuss some adjustments that worked for Illinois and what the keys are to beating Rutgers.