07/20/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football Schedule Breakdown, Spain Wins the World Cup, Cardinals Collapse vs. D-Backs
About this episode
The episode covers the breakdown of Illinois Football's 2026 schedule, Spain's victory in the World Cup, and the Cardinals' recent game collapse.
Hour 1 of The Drive starts with a deep dive into Illinois Football's 2026 schedule as Kurtis Allen and Pierce "The Fierce" Intern break down every game, identify the toughest stretches, discuss potential trap games, and project where the Illini could finish in the Big Ten race. The guys then recap the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim its second World Cup championship. They discuss Spain's dominant tournament run, Ferran Torres' match-winning goal, Lionel Messi's emotional final World Cup appearance, and what the victory means for the future of international soccer. Next, attention shifts to Major League Baseball after the Cardinals suffered a brutal collapse, blowing a 7-0 lead against the Diamondbacks. Kurtis and Pierce examine what went wrong, question the bullpen's reliability heading toward the trade deadline, and debate what the loss means for St. Louis' playoff hopes. The hour wraps up with one of the funniest intern moments yet, as Pierce stuns everyone by revealing he doesn't actually know his grandpa's name.
More episodes of The Drive on ESPN 93.5
- 07/20/26 Hour 2: Cardinals Trade Deadline Decisions, Angels Series Preview, Ryan Clark Out at ESPN
- 07/17/26 Hour 2: WCIA Sports Director Glenn Kinley Talks Josh Whitman's New Contract; Caleb Williams & NFL Players Demand Grass Fields; Friday Toasts
- 07/17/26 Hour 1: Tory Tekyl Is Illinois Football's New Executive Director; Adam Wainwright Defends Cardinals Fans Against Barstool Sports; Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks & Cubs vs. Twins Preview
- 07/16/26 Hour 1: Scott Spiezio Talks Cardinals, New Book & Documentary; Brian Teague Breaks Down Illini in NBA Summer League, Bulls, and Caitlin Clark vs WNBA Officiating
- 07/16/26 Hour 1:Illinois Headlines Josh Whitman Extension, Kylan Boswell's NBA Summer League Breakout & David Mirkovic's Wooden Award Buzz With Cooper O'Kelly
- 07/15/26 Hour 2: Carson Gourdie Talks Illinois Basketball Expectations | Is Michigan Still the Biggest Big Ten Threat? | 2026 MLB All-Star Draft Results
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