The Drive with Tim Donnelly

During Cop or Drop, Dennis Cox poses questions to Tim Donnelly, including if the Carolina Hurricanes should trade for someone other than a goalie, will NC State basketball, UNC basketball, and/or Duke basketball will make the Final Four, and what are the next moves for UNC football, the Carolina Panthers, and more. 

Tim Donnelly says that with the Carolina Panthers securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft for the Chicago Bears, that the front office for the Carolina Panthers needs to be cleaned out and redone. Also, UNC basketball & Duke basketball start the bulk of ACC basketball play tonight with North Carolina facing Pitt basketball, and Duke basketball welcoming Syracuse basketball. 

During the final football 'Podium' of the football season, Tim Donnelly ranks NC State football, Duke football, UNC football, and Wake Forest football after the 2023 college football season. Also, Tim Donnelly says that despite getting crushed by Georgia football, Florida State football still deserved to be in the College Football Playoff. 

Tim Donnelly says there's a lack of accountability by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper after being caught throwing his drink in the direction of Jacksonville Jaguars fans during Sunday's 26-0 loss in Jacksonville. Tim points out how David Tepper is clearly thin-skinned, wonders who wants to work for Tepper, and points out how little Tepper understands the NFL. Donnelly also notes how GM Scott...

Tim Donnelly previews the highly anticipated Pop-Tart Bowl matchup between NC State and Kansas State in Orlando. Tim discussed the key players in this matchup, what NC State needs to do to secure their tenth win of the season, and what this win would mean for Dave Doeren’s program heading into the off-season.

Tim Donnelly discussed former Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers and former NC State and NFL wide receiver Torry Holt being named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists. Former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. was left out as a finalist. Tim shared why this is the correct decision for now. Tim Donnelly and Graham Hill also shared what they're concerned and confident in regarding the...

Tim Donnelly discussed the Carolina Hurricanes' dominant 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Sebastian Aho scored a goal and added three assists in the win. He also previewed the quick turnaround matchup against the Montreal Canadiens tonight at PNC Arena.

North Carolina concluded the 2023 season with a disappointing 30-10 loss to West Virginia in the Duke’s May Bowl played in Charlotte. Tim Donnelly discussed the game-changing plays, standout moments, and what led to the finish of a letdown season for the Tar Heels. Tim also discussed if last night was rock bottom for head coach Mack Brown during his second tenure at UNC. 

Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the Carolina Hurricanes returning from the NHL holiday break to take on the Nashville Predators, and how the Carolina Hurricanes need to focus on themselves fully to turn things around, including how the Hurricanes should handle their goalie situation moving forward.

During Hit It & Quit It, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the top stories of the day, including former UNC football QB Sam Howell being benched as the Washington Commanders starter in favor of former NC State football QB Jacoby Brissett. Also, former NC State football & Wisconsin football QB Russell Wilson is being benched by the Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton. Also, lookin...

Tim Donnelly says the confidence level in Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young continues to rise, and that there has to be credit also given to the WR's for their increased level of play. Tim Donnelly says why the Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper shouldn't want Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach, and what trait Johnson doesn't have that former inter...

Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss where their confidence lies, and what they're concerned about when it comes to ACC basketball in the State of North Carolina for NC State basketball, Wake Forest basketball, Duke basketball, and UNC basketball.

During cop or drop, Dennis Cox and producer Graham Hill discussed if the Panthers can win their last two remaining games, can the Carolina Hurricanes improve their record without making a long-term move at goalie, and if a win against West Virginia in the Dukes Mayo Bowl redeems North Carolina's football season?  Dennis also discussed how this is a crucial offseason for North Carolina footbal...

During the podium, Dennis Cox recaps our local college basketball team's performances from last week. Earning the gold medal is North Carolina, following a massive win over No. 7 Oklahoma. Dennis also discussed if North Carolina has the talent to make it to a Sweet Sixteen. Also, Duke defeated Troy 17-10 in the Birmingham Bowl, a nice way for the Blue Devils to close out their season. Payton Wilso...

Dennis discussed how the New York Islanders stole the holiday spirit from the Carolina Hurricanes in a nail-biting 5-4 thriller. Despite late rallies from Carolina, the Islanders held strong, sending the Hurricanes into a tailspin over the Holiday break before they return to the ice tomorrow to face Nashville. The Hurricanes have also recalled goaltender Antti Raanta from the Chicago Wolves, to re...

Dennis Cox points out three things that stood out to him from the Carolina Panthers' 33-30 loss the Green Bay Packers, including the strong performance by Bryce Young, and how the defense continues to struggle in the red zone. Also, Dennis says that the Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young had a great moment in having his best game of the season against the Green Bay Packers, but for the Panthers and...

During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discussed UNC linebacker Kaimon Rucker announcing his return for a fifth season, Duke football facing an impressive Troy team in the Birmingham Bowl, and Florida State filing a lawsuit against the ACC to challenge the ACC's grant of rights and media deal. Also, the Carolina Panthers look to gift their fans a win on Christmas Eve against the Green Bay Packers....

Tim Donnelly previews the Christmas Eve matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers. Tim breaks down the key players, the strategic plays, and the potential game-changers that could lead to a much-needed gift on Christmas for all Panthers fans. Also, Tim and producer Graham Hill go over their naught and nice lists for North Carolina sports teams, coaches, and players.&nbsp...

Tim Donnelly dissects the Carolina Hurricanes' tough 2-1 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins last night. He discussed the game-changing plays, standout moments, and what led to the defining moments. Also, he previews Duke's matchup against Tory in the Birmingham Bowl. 

Tim Donnelly discussed the lawsuit filed earlier today by Florida State against the ACC after the FSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to challenge the ACC's grant of rights and media deal, as well as the penalty that would follow if they left the ACC. Also, In honor of the holiday season, Tim Donnelly and producer Graham Hill discuss what they would gift to both the college and pro sports...

During the starting five, Tim Donnelly discussed No. 11 North Carolina's 81-69 win over undefeated No. 7 Baylor, No. 21 Duke's impressive 78-70 win over No. 10 Baylor, and the New England Patriots setting up a 'bidding war' for head coach Bill Belichick. Also, Florida State is calling a board of trustees meeting to further their conversations about leaving the ACC. Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes re...

Tim Donnelly begins to preview the Carolina Panthers' upcoming games this Sunday, against the Green Bay Packers. Tim believes this is a winnable game for the Panthers, but it's going to take a lot of discipline from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown and his unit. Also, Tim revisits UNC football coach Mack Brown calling out NC State football coach Dave Doeren on National Signing Day yesterday rega...

The Carolina Hurricanes return to action following their statement win against the Vegas Golden Knights as they travel to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins. Tim Donnelly breaks down the matchup, which players need to keep producing for the Canes, and how they can secure a second-straight win. Also, Tim breaks down NC State’s second-half rally leading to an 82-70 victory over Saint Louis last n...

Tim Donnelly breaks down No. 11 North Carolina’s statement 81-69 win over undefeated No. 7 Oklahoma in the Jumpman Invitational played in Charlotte. He discussed key moments of the game, a standout performance by guard RJ Davis, and the strategy that led the Tar Heels to this first signature win of the season. Also, Tim breaks down No. 21 Duke’s impressive 78-70 win over No. 10 Baylor...

During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly previews No. 11 North Carolina vs. No. 7 Oklahoma in the Jumpman Invitational, No. 21 Duke vs. No. 6 Baylor at Madison Square Garden, and discussed college football's National Signing Day for our triangle schools. Also, he shares his thoughts on Florida State pondering its ACC future again. Plus, he breaks down the Carolina Hurricanes' 6-3 win against the def...