Devil’s Junkie Podcast

More than just pride on the line for ASU in their Territorial Cup matchup

(35 minutes)

 

In order to keep their chances alive for a return appearance to the Big 12 championship game, ASU will have to overcome a formidable Arizona squad that has the same 8-3 mark as its in-state rivals. On today's podcast episode, I invited former ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter, one of the rare Arizona State signal callers who played in four straight Territorial Cup games, going 3-1 against the Wildcats, to provide his insight into this highly charged contest.

The cloud of Leavitt's uncertain future with ASU hovers over Tempe

(38 Minutes)

 

Ironically, just days after ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham stated that he was encouraged by the school's increased financial commitment to its football program, breaking news from On3 indicated that Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is actively shopping for a new destination, presumably seeking a higher NIL deal.

 

My discussion with Cole Topham goes in depth on this recent development and its potential impact on the Sun Devils. We also examine ASU’s performance in the West Virginia win and whether this is an Arizona State team that is capable of winning out its remaining regular season games.

Will the Iowa State win kick off a November to remember?

(31 minutes)

We all remember the strong finish to the 2024 season, which propelled ASU into the Big 12 championship game. This year, a road victory at Iowa State is a good indicator that the Sun Devils can run the table again in November, but will this lead to a repeat appearance in Arlington?

 

My conversation with the co-host of the Speak of the Devils podcast, Brad Denny, discusses the road win last Saturday and Arizona State's prospects for the rest of the season.

Sun Devils looking to right the ship in the season's home stretch

(29 minutes)

 

For most of Saturday night, ASU struggled for long stretches in a home loss to Houston, a defeat that did all but officially take them out of contention for a return appearance in the Big 12 championship game. And once again, the resolve will be tested as they visit Iowa State this weekend. 

 

What were the deficiencies that plagued Arizona State in that 24-16 loss, and what remedies are in order for this team to try and get back in the win column? Here's my conversation with the Sun Devil Network's sideline reporter, Kevin Turner.

Does a bounce back win serve as a statement victory and a prelude to a strong finish for the 2025 season?

(25 minutes) 

In the college football world, that operates by the mantra, “What have you done for me lately?” It was easy following an embarrassing loss at Utah to have low expectations, if not genuine apprehension of ASU's chances versus an undefeated Texas Tech team, which led the Big 12 both in offense and defense. Yet, the Sun Devils were more than happy to defy that narrative and earn a gritty 26-22 win over the Red Raiders, getting back on the winning track and providing a resounding statement in the process.   

Is it a sign that Arizona State is truly ready to defend its conference crown? To review last Saturday’s contest and project what the rest of the regular season could look like for Arizona State I invited the Sun Devil Network color analyst and 1987 Rose Bowl MVP Jeff van Raaphorst to discuss those topics and more. 

State of the Sun Devils going into the Bye Week

 (39 Minutes) 

  

A 4-1 record and 2-0 in Big 12 play is certainly a strong start to a season and the quest to defend ASU's Big 12 crown. Yet, in all three phases, shortcomings were revealed that were fortunately offset by Arizona State's trademark resiliency and a willingness to make clutch plays.   

  

My conversation with Speak of the Devils Podcast co-host Brad Denny examines the Sun Devils' season to date and assesses whether repeating as conference champions is still a reasonable goal for 2025.

How can the ASU passing game get back on track? My conversation with Rudy Carpenter

(28 minutes)

 

Even with a 3-1 mark suffice it to say that the ASU passing game has probably been the most unpleasant surprising performance in this still young 2025 season.

 

What are the issues that are impacting the play of quarterback Sam Leavitt and his teammates on this side of the ball, and what could be done to remedy the shortcomings?

 

For this purpose, I invited someone who wore the same uniform and played the same position: former Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter, a person with whom you can always count on for candid and detailed opinions. 

With non-conference slate in the books, are the Sun Devils ready for Big 12 play?

(28 Minutes)

 

At a 2-1 mark, there is a sense that an ASU team that started the season ranked No. 11 in the AP preseason poll has disappointed in its play with some unconvincing performances. Are they poised to defend their conference crown, or will the rougher waters encountered so far persist going forward? My discussion with football analyst Cole Topham. 

Loss to Mississippi State epitomizes the game of inches adage

(38 Minutes)

 

There were many issues that plagued the Sun Devils Saturday night in Starkville, but two plays in particular may stand out above the rest in ASU's loss to Mississippi State. What are the aspects needing remedy, what positives can be taken from that contest, and what are our thoughts about Kenny Dillingham's approach in fixing the shortcomings and preparing for the next game? To answer those questions and more, I invited the Sun Devil Network's sideline reporter, Kevin Turner, to analyze that game and what's ahead for the team.

 

Beware of week one overreaction?

(21 minutes)

When your season opener features arguably the weakest team on your schedule, then week one overreaction is definitely a topic you want to avoid. However, ASU fans find it impossible not to be disappointed with the 38-19 win over Northern Arizona, a victory that even head coach Kenny Dillingham himself could quote unquote as 'ugly'. 

 

What was the reason for some of those less pleasing elements we saw Saturday night, and how can the Sun Devils go about fixing them? In this podcast episode, I won't only offer my thoughts but also talk to the 1987 Rose Bowl MVP, former ASU quarterback, and Sun Devil radio color analyst Jeff Van Raaphorst to get his perspective on the game. Thanks for being here to kick off a new season of The Devil's Junkies Podcast!