Devil’s Junkie Podcast

(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. 

 (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.

(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. 

(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. 

(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.

 

(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!    

 

(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.