09/04/26 Hour 1: Illinois Beats UAB 42-23, But Leaves Plenty to Discuss; Tristan Thomas Previews Local High School Football
About this episode
The episode discusses Illinois' victory over UAB and features an interview with Tristan Thomas on local high school football.
Illinois is 1-0 after defeating UAB 42-23 in the season opener, but was the performance as impressive as the final score suggests? The Drive breaks down the Illini's mixed-reaction victory, including Katin Houser's debut, Ca’Lil Valentine's big-play ability, Collin Dixon's two-touchdown performance, and a defense that struggled to slow down UAB's rushing attack. Plus, WCIA 3 sports reporter Tristan Thomas joins the show to discuss his biggest takeaways from Illinois' season opener and preview this week's Central Illinois high school football action. Topics include: Illinois' 42-23 win over UAB Katin Houser's first start as an Illini Ca’Lil Valentine and the explosive Illinois offense Concerns about the run defense The impact of the Hail Mary touchdown before halftime Ismael Kante's pick-six Tristan Thomas' reaction to the Illini's performance This week's biggest local high school football games and storylines
More episodes of The Drive on ESPN 93.5
- 09/08/26 Hour 2: Famous British Influencers Josh & Jase join the show to talk Champaign and Big Ten Country | Evan and Coop talk Illini football and Chicago Bears season opener
- 09/04/26 Hour 2: Illinois vs. UAB X's & O's with Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports | Week 1 College Football Picks & Friday Toasts
- The Drive LIVE From Pia’s Sports Bar with Illini Legends J Leman, Kevin Mitchell & Kent Brown
- 09/03/26 Hour 2: Illinois vs. UAB Preview & Score Predictions | Alex Kyi of Armchair Illini Joins The Drive
- 09/03/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football vs. UAB Preview | Brit Miller Joins The Drive Before Serving As Tonight's Honorary Captain
- 09/01/26 The Drive Hour 2: UAB Play-by-Play Voice David Crane Previews Illinois vs. UAB & Tuesday Draft – Best Foods at Gies Memorial Stadium
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