Devil’s Junkie Podcast

ASU takeaways from Big 12 Media Day: My interview on 620 AM Rock and Manuch Show

My guest appearance on the 620 AM Rock and Manuch Show discussing the external expectations of the Sun Devils in 2026, and why the team culture is so important in this day and age of college football

A conversation with RB Cardae Mack

(21 Minutes)

 

Even in a deep group of ASU running backs during spring practice, it was impossible to ignore true freshman Cardae Mack’s performance. I sat down with Mack to talk about his acclimation to the Sun Devils, what attracted him to the program, and his efforts to carve out a role in Arizona State’s backfield.

DevilsDigest Podcast: 1-on-1 with ASU guard Vijay Wallace

(23 minutes)

It is a new era for ASU basketball with the hire of head coach Randy Bennett, and even though guard Vijay Wallace is a holdover from last year’s team, the upcoming season will also signal the true beginning of his Sun Devil career. In our conversation, Wallace talks about his recovery from a season-ending injury, the team's new look under Bennett, and his expectations this year.

Emergency Podcast: Analyzing ASU’s hire of Randy Bennett with Sun Devil Network Analyst Kyle Dodd

Why did Arizona State decide to pursue and ultimately land Randy Bennett as its next basketball head coach, and what can we expect as he begins his tenure in Tempe? We break it all down with Sun Devil Network Analyst Kyle Dodd

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.