Devil’s Junkie Podcast

Where does ASU go from here? Answering fans’ questions about the program‘s future

ASU’s disappointing loss to Washington State 34-21 naturally has fans wanting to vent not only about one of the worst performances we’ve seen in several years from an ASU football team but wonder about the prospects of the 2021 season and beyond.

 

In this podcast episode, we don’t only discuss what transpired last Saturday and the reasons for that display, but we also give you, the Sun Devil fan, the stage to ask the tough questions and receive the answers you deserve. 

 

Episode rundown (78 minutes)

 

(1:00) Taking a closer look at the disappointing loss to Washington State, and what couple of elements stood above the rest as the catalysts for this performance? 

 

(17:09) Opening up a heavy mailbag of Sun Devil fans’ questions and addressing all the concerns you have about the immediate and long-term future of the program, its head coach, school’s athletic director, and more.

Breaking down ASU‘s 28-10 win over Stanford on Fox Sports 910 am

My interview with Mike Grose and Alex Schild discussing ASU's 3-0 Pac-12 start and what kind of implications can Friday night's victory and for the rest of the Sun Devils' 2021 season. 

Short week, challenging Stanford squad await the Sun Devils

As impressive as ASU’s win at UCLA was, it will be equally impressive if the Sun Devils avoid the pitfalls that many teams encounter after such a significant victory. Then again, the achievements of this Stanford team should have the full attention of the Sun Devils as they face each other Friday night. What will ASU need to do to continue its momentum when they match up with the Cardinal?

 

Episode rundown (29 minutes)


(1:03) Much has been said last week about how much the UCLA contest could be a statement game for Arizona State, and indeed not only did the Sun Devils earn a precious conference road victory as an underdog the manner in which this win was achieved was certainly impressive. I discuss the two most important elements we saw on display, one on each side of the ball, that should be the most encouraging for the rest of the 2021 season.

(19:20) This isn’t your typical Stanford team in terms of strengths and weaknesses and we explain how those facets can impact Friday night’s matchup and how Arizona State should approach them with its game plan.

A pivotal Pac-12 South showdown awaits ASU at the Rose Bowl

In the 2021 college football season that has already seen a plethora of upsets, especially in the Pac-12, a team such as the Sun Devils does not have to apologize for dominating last Saturday, perhaps the weakest team in the entire conference in the Colorado buffaloes.

Yet when you literally slice like a hot knife through butter against such an opponent, how much do you really learn about yourself, especially on the doorstep of one of your toughest League games all season, a road trip to UCLA?

 

Episode rundown (30 minutes)

 

(1:00) Even a dominating win over Colorado did reveal some areas of concern alongside some encouraging signs. We review ASU's 35-13 win in the Pac-12 opener and share our takeaways.

(16:21) It may have taken longer than expected, but head coach Chip Kelly finally has the Bruins on the right track vying for a division championship. Analyzing this matchup with the Sun Devils reveals some intriguing battles between units that have performed very well in 2021 but may now encounter their most formidable test this year.

What did we learn from the UNLV game as ASU set to face a formidbale road test at BYU?

In sports memories tend to be short and the "what have you done for me lately" is the one fans and sometimes even coaches choose to go by when evaluating their team. Well, in the second half of ASU's last contest the Sun Devils turned in a convincing performance that provided a good deal of optimism in some respects. Will that be enough versus a BYU team on the road who is also in the top-25 after beating back-to-back Pac-12 teams? Here's our discussion on the topic.

 

Episode rundown (30 minutes)

 

(1:08) Examining both sides of the ball in Arizona State's 37-10 win, a defense that following a rough start lived up to its accolades and an offense that continues to exhibit polar opposites between its ground and aerial attack.

(15:21) Our thoughts concerning the opportunities and challenges that the Cougars, a mirror image of the Sun Devils in many ways, can present, and who ultimately may have a bigger chip on their shoulder coming into Saturday's contest?

Season opening win provides some concerns, pleasant surprises

Week one overreaction is bound to happen when a team doesn't take the lid of the season in an impressive manner, and words such as "sloppy" and "embarrassing" were used to describe ASU following a 41-14 win over Southern Utah. But was Thursday's night more of an expected display of a bag of mixed goods? Here's our examination of that contest.

 

Episode rundown (30 minutes)

 

(1:02) My thoughts on the ASU offense which was sloppy and not able to achieve the desired balance between the pass and the run. What went wrong on the season opener and is this a trend and that can change later in the season?

(14:04) The Sun Devils in comparison was a model of stability. We discuss what stood out on that side of the ball versus the Thunderbirds.

(18:09) Special teams seem to draw the most ire from the collective fanbase, but is the picture of that unit as adverse as it seems?

(24:58) Final thoughts about week one and a look ahead at ASU’s next opponent, UNLV.

Season preview with Pac-12 Network’s Yogi Roth

Season preview with Pac-12 Network’s Yogi Roth

 

A bizarre 2020 season still offered a lot of optimism for the following campaign, but should off-the-field events temper the enthusiasm for 2021? I break down each and every position on this Sun Devil squad and invite Pac-12 Network’s Football Analyst Yogi Roth to offer his perspective on ASU and the rest of the conference.  

Episode rundown (68 minutes)

                                                                                                

(1:09) The ASU offense offers an interesting contrast of some position groups that come into the season well established and one specific unit that still remains an uncertainty and is vital for Arizona State’s chances of improving significantly over the last few seasons.

(23:29) The other side of the ball offers proven talent galore in all but one starting role, but is that one unexpected absence substantial enough to hinder a veteran defense that may have to carry this Sun Devil team more often times than not?

(43:33) Pac-12 Network’s Football Analyst Yogi Roth has been on the road for several days this month, observing Several Pac-12 teams in their preseason preparations, including the Sun Devils, and offers his takeaways on ASU and its conference foes.

(57:26) 2021 season prediction time. Can the Sun Devils overcome the various challenges lying ahead and capitalize on one of their most talented teams in recent memory?

Discussing ASU's AP Top-25 Preseason Poll ranking on SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio

DevilsDigest.com's Publisher Hod Rabino's interview on Monday August 18 with SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio's Sean O'Connell and Geoff Schwartz regarding the Sun Devils' no. 25 ranking in the AP Top-25 Preseason Poll and why Arizona State can justify that ranking and more

Discussing ASU's NCAA Review effect on the Sun Devils' 2021 season with Salt Lake City's 1280 AM The Zone

My interview with Jake Scott and Gordon Monson from The Zone Sports Network in Salt Lake City regarding the two ASU football assistants put on leave, the potential impact it may have on the season, and what are the prospects of this year's Sun Devil squad.

Discussing ASU's NCAA Investigation on SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio

DevilsDigest.com's Publisher Hod Rabino's interview on Monday's June 28 with SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio's Sean O'Connell and Geoff Schwartz regarding the recruiting allegations against Arizona State Football and its impact it can have on recruiting the upcoming 2021 campaign