Devil's Junkie Podcast

(29 minutes)  I appeared on the Chillys2pc podcast to discuss the ASU Golden Ticket initiative with the local 2027 recruits, the Sun Devils' overall success in attracting quality transfers and high school players under Kenny Dillingham, and whether Arizona State can repeat as Big 12 champions. 

(35 minutes)   The Peach Bowl contest against Texas came oh so close to being ASU's entire season in a microcosm. A Sun Devil team that comes in as a heavy underdog and exercises its trademark resiliency to overcome adverse odds almost came to fruition in Atlanta. A double-overtime loss, as disappointing as a defeat that it is, could still not put a damper on one of the best campaigns in program history.   There is a lot to break down when it comes to the remarkable journey the Sun Devils took its fan base on, and for that matter, I invited Sun Devil Network sideline reporter Kevin Turner, who was there for each and every contest this past season, to weigh in with his thoughts on the Sun Devils and their improbable 2024 season. 

(21 minutes) Arizona State finds itself in an unfamiliar position playing in the college football playoffs, but at the same time, the underdog role that they have been tagged with ever since the preseason is still alive and well. The Sun Devils are a near two-touchdown underdog to Texas, but do these odds truly reflect this Peach Bowl matchup?   To break down the University of Texas and the key matchups of this New Year's Day contest, we sat down with analyst Cole Topham to examine Arizona State's upcoming opponent.

(37 minutes)   True, the 2024 season is still ongoing. Some may call this ASU team the best one we've seen this century, and some are drawing comparisons to the great 1996 squad. My guest on today's episode, The Voice of the Sun Devils, Tim Healey, has been covering Arizona State for nearly four decades and is more than qualified to put this season into perspective and proper context.    In our discussion, Healey talks about the most enjoyable moments he has experienced this year in the radio booth, takes us behind the curtain when traveling with the team and interviewing head coach Kenny Dillingham, and discusses what he has seen from ASU basketball and their torrid 8-1 start.

(29 minutes)   To some, the 2024 Sun Devils do remind them of the great 1996 team. And one of the stars on that squad, All-American left tackle Juan Roque, who talked to the team before the blowout win in Tucson, does see some parallels between both groups. In our discussion, Roque also talks about the value of head coach Kenny Dillingham being an Arizona State alumnus and how do you block out all the hype off the field as you prepare for the biggest game of the year on the field.

(31 minutes) And the magical 2024 season keeps on going for the Sun Devils, as a program that was predicted to finish dead last among 16 teams in the Big 12 Media Preseason Poll is virtually one win away from earning a spot in the Big 12 title game. The only thing now standing in Arizona State's way is their in-state rival and the Territorial Cup matchup in Tucson this weekend.   I couldn't think of a better guest for today's episode than former ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter, who is quite familiar with the heated contest versus the Wildcats and also has a lot of unique insight on the Sun Devil coaching staff, their offensive achievements, and what they have accomplished this year.

(24 minutes)   In the blink of an eye, Arizona State's 2024 season has gone from surprising to improbable, and the icing on the cake could be for a program that was predicted to finish last in a 16-team conference to now qualify for the Big 12 championship game.   But first things first, and in their last home game of the year, the Sun Devils will face a BYU squad that, up until last week, was undefeated and currently stand in ASU's way of playing for the conference title. So, to review a huge road win at Kansas State and discuss a significant Saturday contest in Tempe, I am joined by former ASU quarterback, the 1987 Rose Bowl MVP, and the color analyst on the Sun Devil Network, Jeff Van Raaphorst to dive into those topics and much more..

(19 Minutes)   ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham admitted that going into the game against UCF last week, he was wondering if the fine line between confidence and cockiness was breached. Looking back at that contest, even though it resulted in a Sun Devil 35- 31 win, it does seem that it was a valid concern.   But that sentiment is certainly being thrown out the window now, as here we are several days before the matchup on the road with No. 20 Kansas State, and ASU finds itself already as a touchdown-plus underdog.   What have we learned from the win over the Knights last Saturday and how does Arizona State match up against arguably its most challenging opponent to date this season? Analyst Cole Topham breaks down ASU's performance, detailing some of the strengths and weaknesses it has exhibited not only last Saturday but throughout the season and sizes up the Sun Devils' upcoming opponent.

(29 minutes) The program's turnaround in Kenny Dillingham's second year may have been quicker than expected, as the Sun Devils doubled its win total from last season and guaranteed that they will be part of postseason play. So how much more can Arizona State improve its record, while it may not have the services of their star running back Cam Skattebo this weekend? I'm joined by Speak of the Devils co-host Brad Denny to review the convincing 42-21 road win at Oklahoma State, discuss the effective turnaround by Dillingham, and how ASU will have to deal with potentially doesn't having Skattebo in the lineup as they host UCF on Saturday.

(37 minutes) Sports are the ultimate "what have you done for me lately" type of entertainment. Therefore, ASU's loss to Cincinnati and a bye week to extensively mull it over can cloud fans' optimism over a current and surprising 5-2 record.   What have we learned about Arizona State's season to date, and can we draw conclusions about how ASU is going to finish down the home stretch? Sun Devil network sideline reporter Kevin Turner and I discuss that topic and many others in this week's podcast episode.    

(17 minutes) Handling adversity is hard, but handling success is, surprisingly or not, is even more challenging. So, how does ASU make sure that a needle-moving win over Utah doesn't become a flash in the pan? 1987 Rose Bowl MVP and the Sun Devil Network's color analyst Jeff Van Raaphorst joins me to analyze the Sun Devils' performance in the win over the Utes and talks about the productive mental approach that will be much needed for Arizona State to reverse the trend of subpar road game performances.

(55 Minutes)   Even at a 3-1 record, there is plenty for the Sun Devils to fix over the bye week, and the questions ASU fans submitted to me are replied in great detail in this podcast's episode

(32 minutes) As they are about to enter Big 12 play, and at a 3-0 mark, ASU has arguably been one of the early season surprises in the conference. What can we learn from another gritty win to project for the rest of the season? I'm joined by the Sun Devil Network's sideline reporter, Kevin Turner, who provides his field-level insight into the Texas State win and discusses the overall trajectory of the program.

(21 Minutes)   There were many white-knuckle moments during the 30-23 win over Mississippi State, and the most heated postgame topic among the Sun Devil fan base was quarterback Sam Leavitt's struggles and the passing game. We invited Sun Devil Network analyst Jeff Van Raaphorst to break down Leavitt's performance and provide his insight on Arizona State's overall showing in their second victory of the year.

(29 minutes) What a difference a year makes when it comes to ASU season openers. Last Saturday's 48-7 win over Wyoming was in sharp contrast to the too-close-to-comfort 24-21 win over Southern Utah in 2023. There is a genuine sense of excitement in Tempe, but is this a victory that has to be quickly forgotten with a higher-caliber opponent in Mississippi State coming to town? To discuss this topic and others, I invited Brad Denny from the Speak of the Devils podcast to be my guest in this week's episode. Thank you so much for tuning in!

My interview on Fox Sports 910's Roc and Manuch Show detailing Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark's vision for the conference, Kenny Dillingham's comments, and more

My guest appearance on Salt Lake City's KSL 97.5 Sports Zone discussing the Sun Devils' spring practice performance, ASU's transfer and recruiting class accomplishments, and the team's prospects for the 2024 season

(66 minutes) There were plenty of questions to address by Sun Devil fans on the state of ASU's athletic department, the university president's influence on that department, and the overall impact of its major sports. In this episode, I discuss those concerns and other topics.

(18 minutes)   Once again, ASU finds itself in a familiar place trying to rebound from a lopsided loss, and this time, the potential bounce-back game is the most emotionally charged contest of the year. How do we review the matchup with Arizona, and what are some of the items already on the to-do list for Arizona State ahead of 2024? I invited my former staff member Cole Topham to discuss those topics and more on this podcast episode.

(29 minutes)   Ray Anderson's resignation may have grabbed much of the ASU sports headlines, but in this episode, we review a unique win over the Bruins in the Rose Bowl and, with my guest, Sun Devil Network sideline reporter Kevin Turner, we break down why the hosts were baffled by Arizona State's offensive exotic looks and why they had to succumb to another dominating defensive performance. Turner offers an exclusive field level, team bench, and locker room insight you don't want to miss!

How should we view a lopsided loss to Utah? Is it ultimately just one of seven losses in a trying 2023 campaign, or is it a true step back a week after the Sun Devils or able to finally notch the first Pac-12 win of the year? To discuss that topic and many more concerning the football program, I am joined by Speak of the Devils Podcast co-host Brad Denny, who offers his perspective on the present and the future of the program.

(24 minutes)   Arizona State had more than a few "oh so close" losses in 2023. What were the elements that helped them finally get over the hump? To answer that question and offer his thorough analysis we invited the Sun Devil Network sideline reporter Kevin Turner to offer his perspective on the WSU win, and to preview the Utah contest this weekend

(21 minutes) Considering the caliber of the opponent, what we witnessed last Saturday may have been the best defensive effort by ASU this century. Yet the consistent struggles on offense took its toll in a 15-7 road loss. Cole Topham analyzes the Sun Devils' performance from that contest and discusses what needs to be remedied ahead of their home game versus Washington State

(62 minutes) How did ASU football get to a 1-5 midseason mark, and where does it go from here? I provided candid and direct answers in this mailbag podcast to all the questions by the ASU fans. I also covered other topics ranging from Arizona State's Athletic Department leadership, recruiting, conference realignment, and more.  

One can look at ASU's contests versus Fresno State and USC and think that ultimately they are two of the same in terms of performance since they both ended up in the loss column. Nonetheless, while the loss two weeks ago to the Bulldogs, a shutout defeat no less, did not offer any hope or optimism for the future, the sentiment after the USC game was a much-needed 180° turn.   What can we take away from the Sun Devil's performance last week, how has head coach Kenny Dillingham's play calling takeover made an impact on the squad, and how do we see Arizona State fairing in their first road test of the year as they travel to Cal?   To address those issues and many more surrounding ASU, I will be joined by Speak of the Devils podcast co-host Brad Denny who has been covering the Sun Devils for over a decade.

(28 minutes) The monsoon season may have just ended a few days ago, but when it comes to the challenges that Arizona State has to face, it seems that it's been a never-ending rainstorm. Joining me to discuss that topic and others surrounding the Sun Devils and previewing the USC game, I'm joined by one of the brightest football minds I know, former Devils Digest staff writer Cole Topham

(22 minutes)   Much like the season opener, the Oklahoma State game was a classic tale of two halves, where the Arizona State offense struggled down the stretch and, this time, was shut out in the second half in their first loss of the year. 1987 Rose Bowl MVP and Sun Devil Network Color Analyst Jeff van Raaphorst joins me to examine the 27-15 loss to the Cowboys, discussing what inferences can be gleaned from that contest ahead of a challenging game this weekend versus Fresno State.

(23 minutes) Kicking off the 2023 season, I'm joined by the Sun Devil Network's sideline reporter and ASU football alumnus Kevin Turner, analyzing the win over Southern Utah and a behind the scenes look at what transpired during that bizarre night in Tempe and looking ahead to Arizona State's first Power Five matchup this fall in what could be a litmus test for a team with a first-year staff and dozens of newcomer players.

My interview with Guy Haberman and Evan Moore today on SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio discussing ASU's self-imposed postseason ban announcement, why the timing was curious, and what effect it can have on the football program.

Minutes after the news that ASU has applied to join the Big 12, I was interviewed by Colin Harmon from ABC15 Sports on the reasons for the move and the lengthy process involved, and how will the Sun Devils fair in their new 2024 home.

(33 minutes) Pac-12 Networks Analyst Yogi Roth offers his perspective of the Sun Devils ahead of their 2023 season and why he feels first-year head coach Kenny Dillingham can be successful in his initial session at the helm. Roth also discusses some of the conference storylines he sees taking place this year.

My interview on the Roc and Manuch show discussing the elephants in the room addressed during the 2023 Pac-12 Media Day in Las Vegas, ASU picked 10th in the preseason media poll, Sun Devil storylines going into Fall Camp, and more 

This episode was the Sun Devil fans' chance to be heard and ask questions of me on various ASU sports topics, and in return, they received my candid opinions and replies to those inquiries. Quarterback battle, football's season outlook, athletic leadership, and Pac-12 media rights deal are just a few of the subjects addressed in this podcast.  (87 minutes)

My guest appearance on the DJ & PK Show assessing how different this program has been under first-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, the team's strengths and weaknesses going into the fall, and how will the recruiting approach change from here on out

My appearance on the SXM PAC-12 Today show detailing the trends that were present in the Sun Devils' sessions and the to-do list that awaits after the spring game

My January 5th appearance on SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio on the Geoff Schwartz and Sean O'Connell show discussing the coaching transition in Tempe and how the Sun Devils are approaching the transfer portal

Episode rundown (36 minutes)   If you ask anybody around the ASU football offices these days about the 2022 season, they would probably reply that it's all about looking at the windshield because that disappointing campaign is well in the rearview mirror.   Nonetheless, we still want to reflect on what took place these past three months, and this podcast will be devoted to evaluating the season that culminated with a 3-9 mark. And for that task, I invited my staff writers to chime in with their opinions and perspective, choose their standout players and moments this past year, and what should be on the to-do list for the Sun Devils in 2023?

My guest appearance on the Roc and Manuch Show, detailing the reasons Arizona State decided to hire Kenny Dillingham as their new football head coach and why being an alumnus plays a pivotal role in this personnel decision

Episode rundown (15 minutes)   After a disappointing one-point loss to Stanford, ASU was eager to get back on the winning track, and visiting Colorado was exactly what the doctor had ordered. And it's only fitting that this victory by the Sun Devils came on Halloween weekend because their offense in a 42-34 win was unrecognizable.   My staff writer Cole Topham was with me at Boulder last weekend and joins me on this episode as well to analyze what we saw from the Sun Devils in this win, and look forward to a challenging game at home against no. 10 UCLA.

My interview on Fox Sports 910AM, joining the Roc and Manuch Show, talking about the aspects that can affect the timeline of Arizona State and Ray Anderson parting ways

We knew that at some point in the season, the Arizona State defense would be tasked with carrying the team to victory, but ultimately you do need to have an able and willing party on the other side of the ball to achieve that feat. And those adjectives hardly characterize the Sun Devil offense in a frustrating 15-14 loss to Stanford.   Not since the mid-80s has ASU held its opponent out of the end zone and still registered that contest in the loss column. And to no one's surprise, interim head coach Shaun Aguano in his weekly press conference, made what seems to be a very necessary announcement that now the starting quarterback role is up for grabs in an open competition between starter Emory Jones and backup Trenton Bourguet.   What in specific necessitated this all but certain quarterback change, what are the ramifications of such a dramatic personnel move and what in general has the ASU offense done to reach this point? To answer those questions and address many other topics, I invited Sun Devil Radio Network color analyst and 1987 Rose Bowl MVP former ASU quarterback Jeff Van Raaphorst as a guest on today's episode.   Episode rundown (21 minutes)   (1:34) Sun Devil Radio Network color analyst Jeff Van Raaphorst breaks down the Sun Devil offensive landscape that is likely to deliver a change under center, analyzing Emory Jones' performance and what Trenton Bourguet could bring to the table should he earn his first-ever start this weekend.  

An upset victory over No. 21 Washington sent Arizona State into the bye week with positive vibes. Yet, the fact that it was Trenton Bourguet who led the Sun Devils to victory rather than its starting quarterback Emory Jones now puts into serious question who ASU's signal caller should be for the second half of the season. I discuss those topics and others in my guest appearance on FOX Sports 910 AM Roc and Manuch Show.

My guest appearance on the FOX Sports 910 AM Roc and Manuch Show discussing the report alleging that Sun Devil staff members were leaking team intel to opposing coaches in order to have now-former head coach Herm Edwards depart from the program. I also provided my take on the team's current state and what the future holds for the rest of the 2022 season.    

My interview on Fox Sports 910AM joining the Roc and Manuch Show talking about the change of leadership in the Sun Devil program

Whether it's the NCAA investigation or the mass exodus of players from Tempe that has led to 40 newcomers on this year's roster, the expectation level of the 2022 Arizona State Sun Devils has been extremely low. And as much as players and coaches spent the offseason trying to silence the critics, the start of this campaign has been abysmal. Last weekend, the Sun Devils finished conference play 1-2, with their last contest being an embarrassing loss to Eastern Michigan at home, a game where Arizona State was a three-touchdown favorite. It was ultimately a game that also led to the dismissal of head coach Herm Edwards who, according to Athletic Director Ray Anderson, mutually parted ways, as Anderson decided to name running backs coach Shaun Aguano as the interim head coach. So how did ASU get to this point, changing a head coach in mid-September, and where do they go from here regarding their search for a new head coach and the future of the program in general? To answer those questions and many more, I invited former ASU player Jordan Simone for a frank and open discussion on everything that has transpired in Tempe.   Episode rundown (24 minutes)                                                                                             (1:22) Former ASU player Jordan Simone who has never been shy regarding voicing his opinion of his alma mater, offers his insight regarding the various aspects that have led the Sun Devils to their current state and what he expects from the new head coaching search process.

A 17-point defeat does not usually imply a bag of mixed goods by the team who was on the losing end, but when you examine Arizona State's 34-17 loss to then No. 11 Oklahoma State on the road, surprisingly or not there were some bright spots on both sides of the ball for the Sun Devils. Nonetheless, it was also a Saturday contest that featured plenty of shortcomings for ASU, and to break it all down in the latest episode of the Devils' Junkie Podcast and look ahead to Arizona State's upcoming game versus Eastern Michigan.   Episode rundown (60 minutes)                                                                                                  (1:02) Devils Digest staff writer Cole Topham was with me at Stillwater, and after seeing first-hand ASU's performance in that loss to Oklahoma State we offer our insights on that contest and why the Sun Devils struggled to get over the hump last weekend in Stillwater.   (35:46) We are joined by Zack Vannieuwenhze who covers Eastern Michigan for SB Nation as he previews the Sun Devils' next opponent and details what we can expect from the Eagles this Saturday night

Episode rundown (21 minutes)   Glorified scrimmage. No-win game. Those sayings and many more alike described Arizona States' season opener with Northern Arizona University before the opening kickoff ever took place and were likely still uttered after the Sun Devils throttled the Lumberjacks 40-3.   But for an ASU program that entered the 2022 season with some of the lowest expectations surrounding the squad in several years, is there some actual optimism to take away from this dominating victory, or is a really a game that has to be quickly forgotten as Arizona State faces top 15 Oklahoma State on the road this coming Saturday?   To discuss that topic and others, I'll be joined by my staff member Cole Topham who not only covered the season opener with me but also did a very detailed breakdown on Arizona state's new starting quarterback Emory Jones.

My guest appearance on the Roc and Manuch Show examining the Sun Devils' victory over the Lumberjacks, evaluating the play of newcomers QB Emory Jones and RB Xazavian Valladay as well as the defensive performance 

My August 26th appearance on SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio on the Guy Haberman and Mike Yam show discussing how the Sun Devils are shaping up for the upcoming campaign and more

It was anything but a quiet offseason for ASU, but what can we learn from the events of the last eight months that can impact the upcoming 2022 campaign? On the eve of Arizona State's preseason camp Devils Digest staff writer Cole Topham and I break down both sides of the ball for the team and how the off-the-field elements may influence this group. Later on, I'm joined by the co-host of Speak of the Devils Podcast, Brad Denny, who attended Pac-12's Media Day and shares his observations on not only what was said by head coach Herm Edwards but also the narrative of a potential conference realignment in light of both L.A. schools bolting for the Big Ten in 2024. Episode rundown (71 minutes) (1:18) Cole Topham and I provide our position-by-position analysis of the 2022 squad, identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses, and discuss aspects such as NIL, transfer portal, and NCAA investigation and their potential effect on the program this year. (51:47) Brad Denny joins me from Los Angeles immediately following the conclusion of the Pac-12's Media Day, sharing his impressions of Edwards' press conference at that event and how was the bolting of UCLA and USC in a couple of years discussed during this conference event.

Replacing quarterback Jayden Daniels who was a three-year starter for ASU topped the off-season to-do list in Tempe. Florida transfer Emory Jones' addition to the team has checked off that significant task. In light of this newcomer's arrival, what can we now expect from the Arizona State offense and their outlook for the 2022 season? Here's my interview with Sirius XM Pac-12 Radio's hosts Guy Haberman and Evan Moore.