TCR Podcast

***FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @TCR_PODCAST*** Following an Illini victory Wednesday night, we talked with ESPN 93.5fm’s Mike Carpenter after the game. Mike shared his thoughts about the win, the state of the program, Illinois’ Big Ten Tournament position, and which road will lead the Illini to an NCAA Tournament birth. Mike Carpenter is a host of the “200 Level” on ESPN 93.5fm in Champaign-Urbana on Mondays from 6pm-7pm CST. He also is a contributing member of the “Tay and J Show” everyday from 3pm-6pm CST. You can follow Mike on Twitter (@FanboyCarp) or listen to the “200 Level” here.

***FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @TCR_PODCAST*** Alex Roux from the Big Ten Network stops by to preview the Braggin’ Rights game between Illinois and Missouri. Here are some of the topics covered in this episode: - Illinois vs Missouri Braggin’ Rights Game Preview and predictions - Tracy Abrams and his maturity over the past couple seasons. - Malcolm Hill and the Big Ten scoring title - Non-conference schedule review, and a preview of Illinois’ conference schedule - BTN personalities, and where to send gifts - Cubs World Series Game 7, and experiencing a world series championship in Wrigleyville. Click here to see the picture of Alex’s living room during the final outs of the World Series   You can find Alex on Twitter at (@aroux94) and be sure to check out btn.com for more of his content!

Travis Miller is the Editor and Chief of SBNation’s Hammer and Rails.  He returns to the TCR Podcast for the second year in a row to talk about the deep dark bottomless sinkhole that is the Purdue football program…or more specifically, the south endzone of Ross-Ade Stadium where an irrigation pipe burst and caused a sink hole in the back of the south endzone.  Have no fear though, the beer tent has been unharmed! We talk about the Purdue football program, Darrell Hazell, Purdue Basketball, ‘Crootin, and where to find the best Oktoberfest beer in the state of Illinois (HINT: Binny’s).

It’s always a pleasure to have our good friends from CornNation’s Big Red Cobcast stop by the podcast. In this hour-long extravaganza, we talk about the upcoming match-up between the Fighting Illini and the Cornhuskers. We also discuss the joys of recruiting in Midwestern states, how much we dislike Iowa, why Bo Pelini is no longer coaching in Lincoln, and where you can crash the next recording of the Big Red Cobcast.

The Producing Engineer for the Tay and J show on ESPN 93.5FM stops by the Podcast this week.  Austin talks about Western Michigan, conference season previews, uniform combinations, Lon Tay’s love of Golf, and what Illini fans should expect moving forward.

Brandon Fitzsimons from Hustle Belt (@broncofitz) joins us on the podcast this week to preview the Illinois Western Michigan game.  We cover everything from PJ Fleck, to BIll Cubit…and everything inbetween.

Tanya Bondurant from SBNation’s TarHeelBlog.com joins us on the podcast this week. She covers last week’s game against the Georgia Bulldogs, and what Illini fans should expect from the Tar Heels on Saturday night. You can find Tanya on TarHeelBlog.com, and Twitter (@TanyaBondurant) 

There are lots of things to be said about the career of Brad Hopkins in both college football and the NFL.  He was gracious enough to take time out of his schedule to talk with our very own Austin Jabs about student athlete life, social media, the Lovie Smith effect, and a brief preview of what to expect in 2016. On top of our conversation with Brad, TCR’s Brad (not as credentialed) talks a little bit about the Murray State Racers and what to expect during Saturday’s game.

With 3 arrests in 4 weeks, our very own Austin Jabs stops by to talk about the future of Illinois basketball, and the fate of John Groce.

Mike Hopkins from Big East Coast Bias and PCBB1917 stops by to talk about the Providence Friars and what they will bring to Wednesday night’s game. We cover the front court, back court, Kris Dunn, and even throw in some AD talk (not really…but kind of).

Alexis Chassen from Land Grant Holy Land joins us on the podcast this week to discuss the Ohio State Buckeyes, and what Illinois can do to stay in the game. It’s Ohio State week! Let’s talk College Football!

Travis from SBNation’s Hammer and Rails swings by to preview Saturday’s matchup in West Lafayette. Nobody is sure who will win, all we know is we both hate Indiana.

It’s our first ever “Conference-cast” as Bill from Black Shoe Diaries and Pat from OnwardState join us on the podcast this week. We cover offense, defense, special teams, and even jab a former coach for making some questionable decisions…

Curt from SB Nation’s Bucky’s 5th Quarter joins us on the podcast this week to preview the game between the Illini and the Badgers.  We also touch briefly on Sprecher Root Beer and Bo Ryan’s face.

Pat from the Black Heart Gold Podcast joins us to preview the Illinois Iowa football game this weekend.

It’s the return of the TCR Podcast!  This week, we cover the Illinois Fighting Illini and Nebraska Cornhuskers in both football, and a little bit of basketball.  With a nod to this weekend’s matchup, Pat and Ryan of the Big Red Cobcast talk about what it will take to beat the Huskers, and what Illinois needs to look out for come Saturday afternoon.

We talk with Steve Kelly about Illinois vs Alabama in the NIT tournament, and interview a Murphy’s/Green St. BEvERage expert.

We take a look at the Big Ten Tournament, All-Big Ten Honors, and Toughness with Big Ten Network’s Taylor Rooks!

TCR Staff Writer Trevor Vallese talks Illini Basketball, the Big Ten Tournament, eye poking, and the Muppet Movie.

We lost to the #5 ranked Badgers!? No worries! We talked with Bryce Smith about how where the team currently stands, and what they need to do to secure a place in the NCAA Tournament.