PODCAST · sports
The Drive on ESPN 93.5
by ESPN 93.5
Your daily Illini sports podcast from The Drive on ESPN 93.5 with Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone. 🎙️
Episodes
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10/19/26 Hour 2: Illinois Basketball Defeats Cincinnati In First Exhibition Game; Caleb Williams Leads Bears to Win & College Football Week 7 Upsets
The Drive breaks down a busy weekend in sports, starting with Illinois basketball's exhibition victory over Cincinnati as the Illini begin preparing for the upcoming college basketball season. What stood out in the first preseason test, and what can fans take away from the performance? Plus…
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10/19/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour: How Illinois Football Can Upset Oregon | Keys to Victory
Can Illinois football pull off a major upset against Oregon this weekend? On The J Leman Hour, former Illinois All-American linebacker J Leman breaks down the matchup with the Ducks and explains why he believes the Fighting Illini have a real chance to come away with a statement victory. J shares...
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10/15/26 Hour 2: Sunny Verma on Illinois Football & Michael Clayton, Tristan Thomas on Illini Basketball, High School Football & Lovie Smith's Viral Video; Friday Toasts on a Thursday
On this hour of The Drive, Sunny Verma joins us to break down Illinois Fighting Illini football, including the team's struggles, the outlook for the rest of the season, and what Michael Clayton brings to the quarterback position moving forward. Tristan Thomas stops by to discuss the latest on...
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10/15/26 Hour 1: Zain Bando talks Illini Football At 3-3, Are Expectations Too High for Illinois Basketball, and more; College Playoffs Expanding to 24 Teams; Etched in Stone
Kurtis and Evan are joined by Zain Bando to break down Illinois football's 3-3 start, evaluate whether expectations are too high for Brad Underwood and the Illini basketball team, and discuss the latest Fighting Illini headlines. Plus, the guys react to the College Football Playoff potentially...
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10/14/26 Hour 2: Brad Underwood Named Among College Basketball’s Most Hated Coaches? Bill Speros Interview & Best Backup QB Draft
RotoWire lists Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood among the most hated coaches in the country. We discuss the list, the reaction, and what it means for Illini basketball with RotoWire's Bill Speros, who joins The Drive for a conversation you won’t want to miss. Plus, we crown the…
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10/14/26 Hour 1: Mike Cagley from IlliniGuys Reacts To Illinois QB Katin Houser's Injury Update, Michael Clayton Takes Over At QB; Evan’s NFL Top 5/Bottom 5
Mike Cagley from IlliniGuys joins The Drive to break down Katin Houser’s injury and what it means for the Illinois Fighting Illini football team moving forward. With true freshman Michael Clayton II stepping into the starting quarterback role, we discuss his impressive performance against…
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10/13/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague on Bears Trade Deadline Moves, Montez Sweat’s Suspension, Caleb Williams & Illini vs. MSU; Tuesday Draft: Best Backup QBs Ever
Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins The Drive to break down the latest Chicago Bears storylines, including Montez Sweat’s suspension, whether the Bears should be buyers at the NFL trade deadline, Caleb Williams’ return, and the loss to the Packers. Plus, Brian recaps Illinois’...
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10/13/26 Hour 1: Illini Football & Basketball Headlines, Michael Clayton II’s Future at QB & Coop Goes to Olivia Rodrigo
The Drive kicks off with the latest Illinois Fighting Illini headlines, covering the biggest news in football and basketball. With Michael Clayton II stepping up in Illinois’ thrilling overtime win over Michigan State, Kurtis and Evan discuss what the freshman quarterback’s emergence could mean…
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10/12/26 Hour 2: Packers Crush Bears in Green Bay, Mike Ditka’s Legacy & The Latest Illini Headlines | The Drive
The Packers dominate the Bears in Green Bay! The Drive breaks down Chicago’s tough loss to Green Bay, what went wrong for the Bears, and what the result means moving forward. Plus, the show continues reflecting on the legacy of Mike Ditka and his lasting impact on Chicago sports. We also cover…
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10/12/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour: Illinois Beats Michigan State in OT, Katin Houser Out Indefinitely & Is Michael Clayton the Real Deal?
The J Leman Hour is back! Former Illinois All-American J Leman breaks down Illinois' overtime victory over Michigan State, the loss of quarterback Katin Houser for possibly the remainder of the season, and whether Michael Clayton is the real deal. J dives into the biggest takeaways from the...
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10/09/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk on Illinois Basketball, Stefan Vaaks & Big Ten Media Day; Illini vs. MSU Predictions | Etched in Stone & Friday Toasts
Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer joins The Drive to break down Illinois basketball following Big Ten Media Day! Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone discuss Stefan Vaaks' role in the Illini rotation, what to expect from Brad Underwood's squad heading into the 2026-27 season, and the biggest takeaways from…
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10/09/26 Hour 1: Stevie Jay Honors Mike Ditka’s ESPN 93.5 Legacy + Carson Gourdie Previews Illinois vs. Michigan State
Stevie Jay reflects on Mike Ditka’s 20-plus-year history with ESPN 93.5 and honors the legendary Chicago Bears icon’s lasting connection to the station. Then, Carson Gourdie joins The Drive to explain why Illinois can beat Michigan State, break down the Illini’s upcoming matchup, and preview this...
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10-8-26 Hour 2 - Evan talks to Brian Teague about Sox and Illini, Evan gets to talk about a forbidden topic...
In Hour 2 Evan not only gets to play the music he likes, but also gets to talk about the topics he likes.... Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to talk White Sox, Illini, and the Bears.
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10-8-26 Hour 1 - Evan Rides SOLO! Illinois vs MSU Preview
In Hour 1 Evan gets the play the music he likes as he breaks down the Illini travelling to East Lansing to take on Michigan State. How will the Illini D fare against an abysmal MSU offense?
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10/07/26 Hour 2: Big Ten Football Predictions, Early Illinois Basketball Talk & Parenting Advice
Evan and Coop look ahead to a huge Big Ten football slate, making their picks and predictions for Week 6—including Illinois’ critical road matchup with Michigan State. Both the Illini and Spartans enter the game at 2-3 and 0-2 in Big Ten play. Big Ten Conference Then, it’s an early look at…
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10/07/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football Talk, Fisher Head Coach Jeff Palmer Joins The Drive & Evan’s NFL Week 4 Top 5/Bottom 5
Evan and Coop dive into the state of Illinois football following the Illini’s disappointing 24-17 Homecoming loss to Purdue. Illinois is now 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play, with Michigan State up next. University of Illinois Athletics Then, Fisher High School Head Coach Jeff Palmer joins the...
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10/06/26 Hour 2: Darius Wabbington Picks Indiana, Lane Johnson Retires & Evan Gets Mad Over the Tuesday Draft
The Drive reacts to 5-star 2027 basketball recruit Darius Wabbington committing to Indiana over Illinois and Arizona, plus the stunning news that Eagles All-Pro offensive tackle Lane Johnson is retiring after 14 NFL seasons. Then things get heated as Evan gets mad at Kurtis & Cooper over the...
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10/06/26 Hour 1: Doug Bucshon on Illinois’ Purdue Loss, Michigan State Preview & Big Ten Media Days; Bears-Packers Flexed Out of Prime Time
Doug Bucshon from Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down Illinois’ frustrating 24-17 Homecoming loss to Purdue, what went wrong for the Illini, and where the program goes from here. Doug also previews Illinois’ upcoming matchup with Michigan State and looks back at what stood out from…
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10/05/26 Hour 2: Bears Crush Jets, Gear Up for Packers Week; Illini Fans Sound Off After Purdue Loss
The Bears are rolling into Packers Week after a dominant 23-12 win over the Jets, improving to 3-1. Tyson Bagent threw for 268 yards while Kyle Monangai ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns as Chicago's defense held New York to just 157 total yards. Now, the Bears head to Lambeau Field for a huge...
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10/05/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour — Illinois Falls to Purdue, Where Do the Illini Go From Here & Can the Defense Be Saved?
The J Leman Hour is here after a brutal Homecoming loss. Illinois falls to Purdue 24-17, dropping the Illini to 2-3 and 0-2 in Big Ten play. J Leman joins The Drive to break down what went wrong against the Boilermakers, where Illinois goes from here, and whether this season can still be…
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10/02/26 Hour 2: Jimmy Sobeski Previews Illinois vs. Purdue; Etched in Stone & Score Predictions; Friday Toasts
The final Illinois vs. Purdue preview is here! Jimmy Sobeski returns to The Drive to break down Saturday’s Homecoming matchup, including the biggest keys, matchups to watch and what could decide the Cannon Trophy game. Illinois enters the matchup 2-2, while Purdue is 1-3, with kickoff set for…
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10/02/26 Hour 1: 10/02/26 Hour 1: Sam King on Purdue vs. Illinois Homecoming; Are the Browns For Real?
Purdue perspective ahead of Illinois Homecoming! Sam King of the Journal & Courier joins The Drive to preview Saturday’s Cannon Trophy matchup, including the Boilermakers’ offense, injuries, Illinois’ defensive changes and what Purdue sees coming into Champaign. Plus, the guys ask: Are the...
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10/01/26 Hour 2: The Drive Live from Pia’s; Illinois Tennis Coach Brad Dancer; More Illini vs. Purdue Homecoming Preview
The Drive continues LIVE from Pia’s with Illinois men's tennis head coach Brad Dancer. We talk Illini tennis, the program's upcoming fall schedule and what Dancer sees from his team heading into the next stretch of the season. Then it's back to Illinois vs. Purdue as we continue our Homecoming...
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10/01/26: Hour 1: The Drive Live From Pia's, Illinois baseball coach Dan Hartleb, Illini v.s. Purdue Preview, Thursday Night Prop
The Drive is LIVE from Pia’s! We kick off the show with Illinois baseball head coach Dan Hartleb, who joins us to talk Illini baseball, the 2026 season and the program moving forward. Hartleb has been Illinois' head coach since 2006 and is the winningest coach in program history. Then we turn our...
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09/30/26 Hour 2: Illinois vs Purdue by the Numbers; How Do You Cope With Your Team's Most Devastating Loss?; Evan Gets Mad at Coop Over Creed & Korn
The Illinois vs. Purdue numbers deep dive continues as we break down more of the key stats heading into Saturday's Homecoming matchup for the Cannon. Illinois enters at 2-2 while Purdue is 1-3, with kickoff set for 3:15 p.m. CT at Gies Memorial Stadium. Then we ask a very important question: How...
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09/30/26 Hour 1: Cubs Crushed 8-0 by Padres in Game 1; Game 2 Preview; Illinois vs Purdue by the Numbers & Illini Headlines
The Cubs were crushed 8-0 by the Padres in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series. We break down what went wrong in San Diego and preview Game 2, with Kevin Gausman taking the mound against Nick Pivetta. Then it's Illinois vs. Purdue by the Numbers ahead of Saturday's Homecoming matchup for The…
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09/29/26 Hour 2: Mike Cagley on Bobby Hauck Fallout & Illinois-Purdue; MLB Playoff Predictions; Tuesday Draft: Worst Career to Be Unqualified For
Mike Cagley of Illini Guys joins The Drive to break down the fallout from Bobby Hauck's departure as Illinois defensive coordinator and what the coaching change could mean for the Illini heading into Saturday's Homecoming matchup with Purdue. Illinois enters the game at 2-2, while Purdue is 1-3,...
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09/29/26 Hour 1: Bears Crush Eagles Behind Case Keenum; Doug Bucshon on Bobby Hauck Fallout & Illinois-Purdue Preview
The Bears stunned the Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football as Case Keenum stepped in and delivered a huge performance, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns while the Chicago defense forced three turnovers. Then, Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down the fallout…
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09/28/26 Hour 2: Chris Kwiecinski From FOX32 Chicago Previews Bears vs Eagles on Monday Night Football; Your Questions on Bobby Hauck’s Illinois Departure
Chris Kwiecinski from FOX 32 Chicago joins The Drive to preview Bears vs Eagles on Monday Night Football, including the biggest storylines heading into the matchup. Plus, we answer your texts and take your questions about Bobby Hauck’s departure as Illinois defensive coordinator and what it means...
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09/28/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour — Bobby Hauck OUT as Illinois Defensive Coordinator; Where Do the Illini Go From Here?
Bobby Hauck is out as Illinois defensive coordinator after just four games. J Leman joins The Drive to break down the surprising change, what went wrong with the Illini defense, and where Bret Bielema and Illinois go from here. Plus, J digs into the biggest storylines surrounding Illinois…
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09/25/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague Previews Illinois vs. Ohio State & Bears vs. Eagles; Etched in Stone; Friday Toasts
Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins The Drive to break down how Illinois can slow down Ohio State’s dangerous pass rush and what the Illini need to do to protect the quarterback. Plus, Brian previews the Chicago Bears’ Monday Night Football matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles....
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09/25/26 Hour 1: Doug Bucshon Breaks Down Illinois vs. Ohio State; The Texts Blow Up With A NIL Money Debate; Falcons Crush Packers
Doug Bucshon of Orange and Blue News joins The Drive to break down the X’s and O’s of Illinois’ upcoming matchup with No. 7 Ohio State in Columbus. What does Illinois need to do to slow down the Buckeyes, and where could the Illini find opportunities offensively? Plus, Kurtis and Evan get into a...
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09/24/26 Hour 2: Can Illinois Keep Pace With Ohio State? Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Next Move & Win Illini vs Purdue Tickets
Can the Illinois offense keep pace with No. 7 Ohio State when the Illini open Big Ten play in Columbus? Katin Houser and the Illini offense have been productive through three games, but Saturday presents a major challenge against the Buckeyes. Plus, where could Marvin Harrison Jr. revive his...
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09/24/26 Hour 1: Legendary Jim Cornelison Joins The Drive; Cubs & White Sox Clinch Playoff Berths
The legendary Jim Cornelison joins The Drive to talk Chicago sports, his iconic national anthem performances, and what it means to be part of some of the biggest moments in Chicago sports history. Plus, it’s a huge day for Chicago baseball! The Cubs and White Sox both clinched playoff berths,...
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09/23/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk on Illinois Basketball Recruiting, Jaxson Dart Injury & Cubs Wild Card Push
Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins The Drive to recap a big weekend of 5-star basketball recruits visiting Illinois and share the latest Illini basketball recruiting nuggets. Plus, Jaxson Dart is out for the season, and the Cubs look to secure a Wild Card spot as the regular season winds down....
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09/23/26 Hour 1: Carson Gourdie Previews Illinois vs Ohio State, And Week 6 High School Football; Orange Krush Ticket Controversy
Carson Gourdie joins The Drive to break down the keys to Illinois vs. Ohio State, including what the Illini will need to do to compete with the Buckeyes. Plus, a preview of Week 6 of high school football, Orange Krush tickets sell out quickly, and some Illinois students voice their frustration…
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09/22/26 Hour 2: Tuesday Draft: Best Things About Fall, Cubs Wild Card Push & Cardinals vs Pirates Preview
It’s time for the Tuesday Draft on The Drive! The guys draft the best things about fall, from football and baseball to cooler weather, food, traditions and everything that makes the season special. Plus, the Chicago Cubs are closing in on a Wild Card spot as the MLB regular season enters its…
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09/22/26 Hour 1: Illinois vs Ohio State Preview: Katin Houser’s Passing Tendencies; & Bears QB Situation - Bagent vs Keenum
The Drive gets an early look at Illinois vs. Ohio State ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten opener in Columbus. What are Katin Houser’s passing preferences, and how could his tendencies impact the Illini’s chances against the Buckeyes? Plus, the guys break down the latest at quarterback for the Chicago...
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09/21/26 Hour 2: Sunny Verma Previews Illinois vs. Ohio State; Bears Lose to Vikings, Caleb Williams Injury Update
Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins The Drive to break down Illinois' 48-10 win over Southern Illinois and preview the Illini's upcoming Big Ten opener against Ohio State. What did Illinois show against SIU, and what will it take to compete with the Buckeyes? The guys also recap the Bears'…
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09/21/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour! Illinois vs SIU Recap & Ohio State Preview
The J Leman Hour is back! Former Illinois All-American linebacker J Leman breaks down the Illini’s 48-10 win over Southern Illinois, including Katin Houser’s passing performance, Collin Dixon’s record-setting day, Aidan Laughery’s 77-yard touchdown run, and a defense that shut out the Salukis in...
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09/18/26 Hour 2: Etched In Stone Picks; Illinois vs SIU Score Predictions; Friday Toasts
Hour 2 of The Drive is packed with predictions and plenty of Friday fun! Etched In Stone returns with the latest picks, the crew makes their Illinois vs. Southern Illinois score predictions, and we wrap up the week with another round of Friday Toasts. Who is feeling confident about the Illini...
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09/18/26 Hour 1: Brad Sturdy Previews Illinois vs SIU & Breaks Down the Illini Basketball Schedule; Tristan Thomas Previews Friday Night High School Football
Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys joins The Drive to preview Illinois vs. Southern Illinois and break down the newly released 2026-27 Illini men's basketball schedule. The Illini enter Saturday's matchup with SIU looking to bounce back from the close loss to Duke, while the basketball schedule…
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09/17/26 Hour 2: Bears vs Vikings Preview; Illinois Lands QB Owen Herrick; Win Illinois-SIU Tickets
The Drive dives into the Bears vs. Vikings Week 2 matchup as Chicago returns to Soldier Field following its 59-37 season-opening win over Carolina. The NFC North rivals are both 1-0, setting up an intriguing early-season divisional battle. Plus, Illinois football adds another piece to its future...
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09/17/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk From Illini Inquirer Breaks Down Illinois Basketball's Big Ten Schedule; Will You Stay for SIU?; Bills-Lions Props
Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins The Drive to break down Illinois basketball's newly released 2026-27 Big Ten schedule, including the biggest matchups, road challenges and what stands out from the Illini's conference slate. Illinois will play 20 Big Ten games, with home-and-home series…
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09/16/26 Full Show: SIU's Todd Hefferman Previews Game VS Illinois | Illini Basketball Schedule Reactions | Big Ten QB Power Rankings
The Drive Full Show – September 16, 2026: Southern Illinois Salukis SID Todd Hefferman joins Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone to preview SIU vs. Illinois and provide the Saluki perspective heading into Saturday's matchup. Plus, the guys react LIVE to the release of the 2026-27 Big Ten men's basketball...
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09/15/26 Hour 2: Illinois vs SIU Preview; How Will the Illini Use Kaden Feagin & Their Running Backs? | Tuesday Draft - Best Big Ten Stadiums
The Drive continues its Illinois vs. Southern Illinois preview, focusing on how the Illini can get their running game going. We discuss Kaden Feagin's role at Tight End, and the rest of Illinois' running backs, how they could be utilized against the Salukis, and what the offense needs to do to...
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09/15/26 Hour 1: How Does Illinois Bounce Back vs SIU? TEAM USA Act & Illini Athletics; Cubs & Cardinals Previews
The Drive kicks off Hour 1 by looking ahead to Illinois' matchup with Southern Illinois and asking the big question: How do the Illini bounce back after the loss to Duke? We break down what needs to change and what Illinois needs to show against the Salukis. Plus, we discuss the TEAM USA Act and...
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09/14/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague Breaks Down Bears’ Historic Win vs Panthers & Illinois’ Loss to Duke | The Drive
Hour 2 of The Drive features Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports! Brian joins Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone to break down the Bears’ historic game against the Carolina Panthers and discuss what the performance means for Chicago moving forward. The guys also turn their attention back to...
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09/14/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour! J Leman Breaks Down Illinois’ Loss to Duke & Previews Southern Illinois | The Drive
It’s the J Leman Hour on The Drive! The Illinois All-American joins Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone to break down the Illini’s disappointing 31-27 loss to Duke. Leman dives into the defensive struggles, tackling issues, second-half offensive struggles, and the biggest lessons Illinois needs to take...
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09/08/26: J Leman Hour | Illinois vs Duke Preview, Keys to Victory & Big Ten Football
It’s the J Leman Hour on The Drive! Illinois football legend and All-American linebacker J Leman joins Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone to break down the highly anticipated matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Duke Blue Devils. J Leman provides an in-depth preview of the game, discusses…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Your daily Illini sports podcast from The Drive on ESPN 93.5 with Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone. 🎙️
HOSTED BY
ESPN 93.5
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Drive on ESPN 93.5 have?
The Drive on ESPN 93.5 currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Drive on ESPN 93.5 about?
Your daily Illini sports podcast from The Drive on ESPN 93.5 with Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone. 🎙️
How often does The Drive on ESPN 93.5 release new episodes?
The Drive on ESPN 93.5 has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Drive on ESPN 93.5?
You can listen to The Drive on ESPN 93.5 on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Drive on ESPN 93.5?
The Drive on ESPN 93.5 is created and hosted by ESPN 93.5.
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