Devil’s Junkie Podcast

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!    

 

Analyzing Golden Ticket in-state recruiting campaign, the prospects of the 2025 season

(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. 

Peach Bowl loss doesn't dampen a remarkable 2024 ASU season

(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. 

Peach Bowl Analysis

(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.

Does an improbable 2024 season rank as ASU's best season this century?

(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.

Discussing the 2024 regular season, Big 12 title game with Juan Roque

(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.

Discussing Territorial Cup, potential Big 12 title game with Rudy Carpenter

(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.