We Love No Other

We have to stop doing these. Last year, after the Loyola loss, Tyler and I recorded what we called a "therapy session." And now, one year later, here we are recording another one. 

This is basically one long From The Stands from my hotel room at 1:18 am after trying to write (and failing) for nine hours. No other way to say it: Loyola + Houston has me completely devastated. 

Robert talks with Will Leitch about Illini NCAA Tournament appearances in the past, present, and future. But mostly present. And past. 

I discuss the final week of the Big Ten season, Big Ten Tournament expectations, and NCAA Tournament expectations with @BobZuppke. And we sneak in a little football talk at the end. 

Another episode where I answer listener questions while driving. The Rutgers loss is the main topic, but we also get into Champaign restaurants and the updated football schedule.

Chatted with Mike Epstein after he announced that he's done with football (despite one year of eligibility remaining) and onto the next phase of life. 

ESPN's John Gasaway (a.k.a. Big Ten Wonk back in the day) joins Robert to discuss the 2022 basketball season (and the 2022 Injured Illini). If you're interested in reading John's book "Miracles On The Hardwood", it's available here . 

Robert, Tyler, and Carmen sit down in the kitchen to talk about the 13-3 (6-0) Illini, discuss how the Michigan State-Northwestern game might end, and eat Uncrustables.

While driving to Lincoln for the Nebraska game I answer questions from listeners (readers?) on Twitter. 

Bret Bielema was hired on December 19th, 2020 and I had the opportunity to interview him that day during the "bonus" game at Penn State. So now that he's reached one full year in Champaign, I asked to sit down with him to discuss everything that's happened in this first year. 

Robert, Carmen, and John go through the 2022 Signing Class and draft their guys. Favorite recruit, best defensive fit, etc. And for at least 15 of these 65 minutes, they get stuck discussing the newest member of the class, linebacker James Kreutz. As promised in the audio, here's the link to Kreutz's high school film .

I have no idea what this audio sounds like. At one point I dropped the phone on the floor of the car and I have no idea if you can hear anything. But hey, when you beat Iowa, and your buddy is there, you hit record as the two of you walk out of the arena and you don’t look back. 

Robert and Tyler sit down after the Rutgers game to discuss the rocky start to the Illini basketball season and the hope provided by the last two games. 

I probably only talk during 30% of this but I thought I’d take you on the field at the end of the game. 

This really wasn't from the stands, even though I sat in the stands today. This was from the parking lot after the loss. And I feel... totally fine?

Twitter's @BobZuppke (not his real name) and Robert discuss football for 41 minutes and then basketball for 30. 

I had a great conversation with Tailon Leitzsey about his entire journey - from his first season at Missouri Baptist University to walking on at Illinois in 2018 to earning a scholarship this spring to recovering the fumble with 30 seconds remaining at Penn State.

Road trip, ranked team, national TV, win. Second time in three weeks. I wandered around the field after the game trying to focus. 

I wish this feeling didn't feel so much like home.

Robert & Martin O'Donnell sit down to discuss the historic win at Penn State and what it might mean for the rest of this season and the direction of the program. 

I'm not sure if you heard, but... Illinois beat #7 Penn State 20-18 in nine overtimes. Some thoughts... 

Somehow, basketball season is upon us. Robert gives some quick thoughts on media day and shares interviews with the freshmen and transfers. 

First half: sat in the pressbox. Second half: sat in the stands. So this one is a true From The Stands. Thoughts after the 24-14 win over Charlotte.

Stood by the Illinois tunnel and talked out my feelings. 

I went down to the field to maybe watch the Illini put the game away. Instead I watched Maryland score twice in three minutes to win it. So I recorded my thoughts.