Devil’s Junkie Podcast

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

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(24 minutes)   In the blink of an eye, Arizona State's 2024 season has gone from surprising to improbable, and the icing on the cake could be for a program that was predicted to finish last in a 16-team conference to now qualify for the Big 12 championship game.   But first things first, and in their last home game of the year, the Sun Devils will face a BYU squad that, up until last week, was undefeated and currently stand in ASU's way of playing for the conference title. So, to review a huge road win at Kansas State and discuss a significant Saturday contest in Tempe, I am joined by former ASU quarterback, the 1987 Rose Bowl MVP, and the color analyst on the Sun Devil Network, Jeff Van Raaphorst to dive into those topics and much more..

(19 Minutes)   ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham admitted that going into the game against UCF last week, he was wondering if the fine line between confidence and cockiness was breached. Looking back at that contest, even though it resulted in a Sun Devil 35- 31 win, it does seem that it was a valid concern.   But that sentiment is certainly being thrown out the window now, as here we are several days before the matchup on the road with No. 20 Kansas State, and ASU finds itself already as a touchdown-plus underdog.   What have we learned from the win over the Knights last Saturday and how does Arizona State match up against arguably its most challenging opponent to date this season? Analyst Cole Topham breaks down ASU's performance, detailing some of the strengths and weaknesses it has exhibited not only last Saturday but throughout the season and sizes up the Sun Devils' upcoming opponent.

(29 minutes) The program’s turnaround in Kenny Dillingham’s second year may have been quicker than expected, as the Sun Devils doubled its win total from last season and guaranteed that they will be part of postseason play. So how much more can Arizona State improve its record, while it may not have the services of their star running back Cam Skattebo this weekend? I’m joined by Speak of the Devils co-host Brad Denny to review the convincing 42-21 road win at Oklahoma State, discuss the effective turnaround by Dillingham, and how ASU will have to deal with potentially doesn’t having Skattebo in the lineup as they host UCF on Saturday.

(37 minutes) Sports are the ultimate "what have you done for me lately" type of entertainment. Therefore, ASU’s loss to Cincinnati and a bye week to extensively mull it over can cloud fans’ optimism over a current and surprising 5-2 record.   What have we learned about Arizona State’s season to date, and can we draw conclusions about how ASU is going to finish down the home stretch? Sun Devil network sideline reporter Kevin Turner and I discuss that topic and many others in this week’s podcast episode.    

(17 minutes) Handling adversity is hard, but handling success is, surprisingly or not, is even more challenging. So, how does ASU make sure that a needle-moving win over Utah doesn’t become a flash in the pan? 1987 Rose Bowl MVP and the Sun Devil Network’s color analyst Jeff Van Raaphorst joins me to analyze the Sun Devils’ performance in the win over the Utes and talks about the productive mental approach that will be much needed for Arizona State to reverse the trend of subpar road game performances.

(55 Minutes)   Even at a 3-1 record, there is plenty for the Sun Devils to fix over the bye week, and the questions ASU fans submitted to me are replied in great detail in this podcast’s episode

(32 minutes) As they are about to enter Big 12 play, and at a 3-0 mark, ASU has arguably been one of the early season surprises in the conference. What can we learn from another gritty win to project for the rest of the season? I’m joined by the Sun Devil Network’s sideline reporter, Kevin Turner, who provides his field-level insight into the Texas State win and discusses the overall trajectory of the program.

(21 Minutes)   There were many white-knuckle moments during the 30-23 win over Mississippi State, and the most heated postgame topic among the Sun Devil fan base was quarterback Sam Leavitt's struggles and the passing game. We invited Sun Devil Network analyst Jeff Van Raaphorst to break down Leavitt's performance and provide his insight on Arizona State's overall showing in their second victory of the year.

(29 minutes) What a difference a year makes when it comes to ASU season openers. Last Saturday's 48-7 win over Wyoming was in sharp contrast to the too-close-to-comfort 24-21 win over Southern Utah in 2023. There is a genuine sense of excitement in Tempe, but is this a victory that has to be quickly forgotten with a higher-caliber opponent in Mississippi State coming to town? To discuss this topic and others, I invited Brad Denny from the Speak of the Devils podcast to be my guest in this week's episode. Thank you so much for tuning in!

My interview on Fox Sports 910's Roc and Manuch Show detailing Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark's vision for the conference, Kenny Dillingham's comments, and more

My guest appearance on Salt Lake City's KSL 97.5 Sports Zone discussing the Sun Devils' spring practice performance, ASU's transfer and recruiting class accomplishments, and the team's prospects for the 2024 season

(66 minutes) There were plenty of questions to address by Sun Devil fans on the state of ASU's athletic department, the university president's influence on that department, and the overall impact of its major sports. In this episode, I discuss those concerns and other topics.

(18 minutes)   Once again, ASU finds itself in a familiar place trying to rebound from a lopsided loss, and this time, the potential bounce-back game is the most emotionally charged contest of the year. How do we review the matchup with Arizona, and what are some of the items already on the to-do list for Arizona State ahead of 2024? I invited my former staff member Cole Topham to discuss those topics and more on this podcast episode.

(29 minutes)   Ray Anderson's resignation may have grabbed much of the ASU sports headlines, but in this episode, we review a unique win over the Bruins in the Rose Bowl and, with my guest, Sun Devil Network sideline reporter Kevin Turner, we break down why the hosts were baffled by Arizona State's offensive exotic looks and why they had to succumb to another dominating defensive performance. Turner offers an exclusive field level, team bench, and locker room insight you don't want to miss!

How should we view a lopsided loss to Utah? Is it ultimately just one of seven losses in a trying 2023 campaign, or is it a true step back a week after the Sun Devils or able to finally notch the first Pac-12 win of the year? To discuss that topic and many more concerning the football program, I am joined by Speak of the Devils Podcast co-host Brad Denny, who offers his perspective on the present and the future of the program.

(24 minutes)   Arizona State had more than a few "oh so close" losses in 2023. What were the elements that helped them finally get over the hump? To answer that question and offer his thorough analysis we invited the Sun Devil Network sideline reporter Kevin Turner to offer his perspective on the WSU win, and to preview the Utah contest this weekend

(21 minutes) Considering the caliber of the opponent, what we witnessed last Saturday may have been the best defensive effort by ASU this century. Yet the consistent struggles on offense took its toll in a 15-7 road loss. Cole Topham analyzes the Sun Devils' performance from that contest and discusses what needs to be remedied ahead of their home game versus Washington State

(62 minutes) How did ASU football get to a 1-5 midseason mark, and where does it go from here? I provided candid and direct answers in this mailbag podcast to all the questions by the ASU fans. I also covered other topics ranging from Arizona State's Athletic Department leadership, recruiting, conference realignment, and more.  

One can look at ASU’s contests versus Fresno State and USC and think that ultimately they are two of the same in terms of performance since they both ended up in the loss column. Nonetheless, while the loss two weeks ago to the Bulldogs, a shutout defeat no less, did not offer any hope or optimism for the future, the sentiment after the USC game was a much-needed 180° turn.   What can we take away from the Sun Devil's performance last week, how has head coach Kenny Dillingham’s play calling takeover made an impact on the squad, and how do we see Arizona State fairing in their first road test of the year as they travel to Cal?   To address those issues and many more surrounding ASU, I will be joined by Speak of the Devils podcast co-host Brad Denny who has been covering the Sun Devils for over a decade.

(28 minutes) The monsoon season may have just ended a few days ago, but when it comes to the challenges that Arizona State has to face, it seems that it's been a never-ending rainstorm. Joining me to discuss that topic and others surrounding the Sun Devils and previewing the USC game, I'm joined by one of the brightest football minds I know, former Devils Digest staff writer Cole Topham

(22 minutes)   Much like the season opener, the Oklahoma State game was a classic tale of two halves, where the Arizona State offense struggled down the stretch and, this time, was shut out in the second half in their first loss of the year. 1987 Rose Bowl MVP and Sun Devil Network Color Analyst Jeff van Raaphorst joins me to examine the 27-15 loss to the Cowboys, discussing what inferences can be gleaned from that contest ahead of a challenging game this weekend versus Fresno State.

(23 minutes) Kicking off the 2023 season, I'm joined by the Sun Devil Network's sideline reporter and ASU football alumnus Kevin Turner, analyzing the win over Southern Utah and a behind the scenes look at what transpired during that bizarre night in Tempe and looking ahead to Arizona State's first Power Five matchup this fall in what could be a litmus test for a team with a first-year staff and dozens of newcomer players.

My interview with Guy Haberman and Evan Moore today on SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio discussing ASU's self-imposed postseason ban announcement, why the timing was curious, and what effect it can have on the football program.

Minutes after the news that ASU has applied to join the Big 12, I was interviewed by Colin Harmon from ABC15 Sports on the reasons for the move and the lengthy process involved, and how will the Sun Devils fair in their new 2024 home.

(33 minutes) Pac-12 Networks Analyst Yogi Roth offers his perspective of the Sun Devils ahead of their 2023 season and why he feels first-year head coach Kenny Dillingham can be successful in his initial session at the helm. Roth also discusses some of the conference storylines he sees taking place this year.

My interview on the Roc and Manuch show discussing the elephants in the room addressed during the 2023 Pac-12 Media Day in Las Vegas, ASU picked 10th in the preseason media poll, Sun Devil storylines going into Fall Camp, and more 

This episode was the Sun Devil fans’ chance to be heard and ask questions of me on various ASU sports topics, and in return, they received my candid opinions and replies to those inquiries. Quarterback battle, football’s season outlook, athletic leadership, and Pac-12 media rights deal are just a few of the subjects addressed in this podcast.  (87 minutes)

My guest appearance on the DJ & PK Show assessing how different this program has been under first-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, the team's strengths and weaknesses going into the fall, and how will the recruiting approach change from here on out

My appearance on the SXM PAC-12 Today show detailing the trends that were present in the Sun Devils' sessions and the to-do list that awaits after the spring game

My January 5th appearance on SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio on the Geoff Schwartz and Sean O'Connell show discussing the coaching transition in Tempe and how the Sun Devils are approaching the transfer portal

Episode rundown (36 minutes)   If you ask anybody around the ASU football offices these days about the 2022 season, they would probably reply that it's all about looking at the windshield because that disappointing campaign is well in the rearview mirror.   Nonetheless, we still want to reflect on what took place these past three months, and this podcast will be devoted to evaluating the season that culminated with a 3-9 mark. And for that task, I invited my staff writers to chime in with their opinions and perspective, choose their standout players and moments this past year, and what should be on the to-do list for the Sun Devils in 2023?

My guest appearance on the Roc and Manuch Show, detailing the reasons Arizona State decided to hire Kenny Dillingham as their new football head coach and why being an alumnus plays a pivotal role in this personnel decision

Episode rundown (15 minutes)   After a disappointing one-point loss to Stanford, ASU was eager to get back on the winning track, and visiting Colorado was exactly what the doctor had ordered. And it's only fitting that this victory by the Sun Devils came on Halloween weekend because their offense in a 42-34 win was unrecognizable.   My staff writer Cole Topham was with me at Boulder last weekend and joins me on this episode as well to analyze what we saw from the Sun Devils in this win, and look forward to a challenging game at home against no. 10 UCLA.