Devil's Junkie Podcast

Here's my appearance on the Roc and Manuch Show on Fox Sports Radio detailing how the Sun Devils are handling their recruiting efforts with the inability to host prospects, and sharing my impressions of the seven spring practice sessions ASU was able to get in before the forced hiatus around college football.

Sun Devil fans, let alone sports fans at large have never seen a pandemic bring the world of sports to its knees at best mudding the future of some sports and at worst bringing others to an abrupt end. So, in this environment we are left to talk about the impact COVID-19 will have on ASU football that could resume at the earliest in a couple of weeks, and wrap up the Sun Devil basketball and baseball season, two programs that were poised to qualify for NCAA postseason play.  Episode Rundown (56 minutes) (1:08) ASU football was able to get in half of its spring practice allotment of sessions before a forced hiatus. We evaluate the significance of this interruption not only in the preparation sense but also in the recruiting aspect. (10:39) Sadly one of the most impressive ASU basketball seasons in school history will have no postseason achievements to show in light of the NCAA season cancelation, yet we note the feats that did take place and whether the Sun Devils were hurt by not having even a token Select

ASU’s spring break still has us working, specifically delving into the state of the Sun Devils position by position they completed 50 percent of their spring practices. Later we move from the gridiron to the hardwood discussing ASU as a 3rd seed in the Pac-12 tournament this week and what they need to do to hear their name called in Selection Sunday and be called as “safely” in the field of 68. Thanks for tuning in! Episode Rundown (64 minutes) (1:19) We start our analysis of ASU on offense. What do we make of a somewhat lukewarm start in the spring, and how has inexperience at the skill positions affected this group so far? (32:14) Inexperience is much less of an issue when it comes to the Arizona State defense, as we share our observations on this side of the ball.   (48:39) For the third year in a row, ASU basketball has posted a 20-win season. Will this also result in a third trip to the Big Dance? We present all the implications regarding ASU’s possible Pac-12 tournament scenarios can present.

ASU basketball’s winning streak ended in a road sweep by the L.A. schools. What are the various postseason implications of these results in the next couple of weeks for the Sun Devils? We then shift gears to spring football and break down position by position our impressions of Arizona State. Thanks for tuning in! Episode Rundown (42 minutes) (0:44) We analyze where does the Sun Devil basketball stand in terms of its postseason prospects in the Pac-12 and NCAA Tournaments following its recent results. (11:19) Inexperience is all the rage when it comes to each and every role on the ASU offense. We share our observations on all of the positions on the side of the ball following the first week of practice. (29:23) Examining the Sun Devils’ defense and special teams units following the first four spring sessions, and what’s on ASU’s to-do list for the next few weeks of practices?

Episode Rundown (66 minutes)   (1:17) ASU successfully addressed some of its needs as it landed a backup quarterback in Daylin McLemore as well as tight end Jake Ray. Offensive coordinator Zak Hill offered his insight as to what each of those high school player prospects can bring to the table.   (11:56) The Sun Devils also added two graduate transfer offensive linemen and we caught up with one them in Stanford’s Henry Hattis who told us why he chose the Sun Devils and what are his expectations of his new team?   (22:47) There are many accolades associated with the Sun Devils crop of newcomers, especially with their success in the state of California, which is according to the coaches is “first base” to Arizona’s “home base.” We examine an interesting and perhaps somewhat new tone on this topic from the ASU staff.   (37:46) The departures of defensive coordinators Danny Gonzales back in December and Tony just the other day has caused ASU to now move in a different schematic direction that will be anyt

Under Bobby Hurley, upsetting ranked opponents or comeback wins overcoming halftime deficits have been commonplace. Saturday night’s victory over Arizona though wasn’t just another contest that fit both categories. We discuss how historic this win actually was and have the Sun Devils now found the formula to build on its current momentum? Episode rundown (24 minutes)  (1:10) Reviewing ASU’s improbable victory digging itself from a 22-point hole, a contest where once again defense led the way. (13:01) Incoming freshman forward Marcus Bagley talked about the ASU win over Arizona that he attended, his thoughts on being part of the team next season. (16:06) What does the win over Arizona mean in the big picture as far as ASU’s postseason chances? Have they found a winning formula in that victory that can carry them forward and into the upper echelon of the Pac-12?

Much like the last day of 2019 the first week of 2020 has put a big smile on the collective faces of ASU football fans, seeing not only three four-star prospects publicly pledge to the Sun Devils in a span of 48 hours, but also realizing what impressive milestones have been achieved in the process. We examine all of the signees to date in this class, and what can be expected from them as incoming freshmen. We conclude the podcast discussing a rough Pac-12 opener for the basketball team and what is in stored for this program for the rest of the conference schedule. Thanks for tuning in and Happy New Year!!!  Episode Rundown (49 minutes)   (1:14) We review all of the offensive signees in ASU’s 2020 class and which of the newcomers can play a pivotal role in their inaugural season in Tempe.   (18:37) All the talk this week was regarding the offensive skills players signed, but some significant first-year players inked their names to ASU’s letter of intent in this class as well and we take a closer look at t

My interview on the NoBull show with Jordan Simone and Shawn Crespin reviewing the Sun Devil newcomers. This interview was done before LV Bunkley-Shelton committed to Arizona State.

It’s been whirlwind of activity for the first three or so weeks of December and this week's episode covers it all. We take a deep dive look at the crop of ASU newcomers inked in the early signing period, as well as the multiple staffing decisions made by Herm Edwards on both sides of the ball and the thinking behind all of them. Thanks for tuning in and Happy Holidays!!!  Episode Rundown (62 minutes)   (1:16) We examine all of ASU’s 13 signees in the December period, the possible impact some of them can make as freshmen, and what are some of the traits we have seen in a group of newcomers one that is very much work in progress in the positive sense of the term.   (35:12) Not may returning head coaches in college football had to be faced with the predicament of replacing both of his coordinators and several other assistants as well. I explain why Herm Edwards navigated these treacherous waters so well, especially on the defensive side of the ball and the reasoning for all of these staffing decisions.

I offer my analysis of the crop of Sun Devil newcomers, as well as explain why Hem Edwards decided to name Tony White as defensive coordinator 

Herm Edwards said it best: ABC didn't come to Tempe to feature a 5-5 ASU team but rather their opponent no. 6 Oregon, but following a signature 31-28 win over the Ducks, it was the home team that their crew was ultimately talking about. We review that exciting Saturday night Homecoming game, look ahead to the Sun Devils' rivalry game this weekend through the lens of a former Arizona player and their unique perspective of this matchup, and conclude with some hoops talk and ASU's performance in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament over the weekend, reviewing our takeaways from a win over St. John's and a loss versus Virginia.  Episode Rundown (53 minutes) (1:30) If you're going to halt a four-game losing streak, might as well do that with a statement victory against a Top-10 program and the class of the Pac-12. We give our overview of this dramatic Sun Devil win, and what were the recent deficiencies that were virtually nonexistent last Saturday night.   (18:06) We often read and listen to former ASU players

If you follow the Sun Devil football team and feel trapped in a Groundhog Day environment, you’re probably not alone. As repetitive deficiencies continue to reveal themselves, Arizona State isn’t able to stop the bleeding and finds itself with the longest losing streak, four games, it had endured since 2016.  We discuss the key factors in the loss in the 35-34 loss to Oregon State, the highly controversial two-point attempt decision that backfired and look ahead to the toughest challenge this year, a home meeting with Oregon. Episode Rundown (55 minutes) (1:27) Another week, another tale of two halves for the Arizona State defense which allowed its opponent to score 28 points in the first two quarters, only to turn around and virtually shut down Oregon State in the second half. The predictable storylines were evident everywhere on this side of the ball.    (16:04) When talking about the offensive performance in Corvallis with naturally begin with an analysis of the decision and execution of the two-point c

The soul-searching process for ASU continues, as does their skid which now stands at three games. We discuss what went wrong in a 31-26 home loss to USC, and invite former ASU quarterback, Rudy Carpenter, to discuss the debut of true freshman signal-caller, Joey Yellen, who nearly led the Sun Devils to a comeback win. We also talk some Arizona State hoops as the basketball team tipped-off its 2019-20 season in China with a loss to Colorado. Even with a small sample size, what could we learn from that performance? We end the podcast with a quick look at Oregon State, ASU’s next opponent.  Episode Rundown (49 minutes)  (0:45) Sharing my thoughts concerning ASU’s loss to USC, and the issue that plagued the team on both sides of the ball and the level of concern that these shortcomings convey.  (15:59) Former ASU quarterback, Rudy Carpenter began his career as a starter at a very early stage of his career in Tempe and can relate to the tandem of young newcomers who have already seen playing time for the Sun De

We said ASU was at a crossroads going into the UCLA contest, and following the loss to the Bruins, the Sun Devils' season has now taken a sharp and adverse turn. What are the aspects that have contributed to a two-game skid and can Arizona State rebound in November? We try to make sense of it all with our guest former Arizona State defensive back and Sun Devil Network sideline reporter, Jordan Simone, as well my analysis by answering your various questions on the team. Episode Rundown (85 minutes) (1:02) Sun Devil Network sideline reporter, Jordan Simone’s access to the team is second to none and in our candid conversation, he provides his unique insight to the current state of the Sun Devils and his outlook coming out of this bye week. (18:56) There was no shortage of questions from my subscribers and Twitter followers on various team topics and I answer each and every one of them in this segment. (77:49) Offering my parting thoughts on what we saw from the Sun Devils in the first eight games and how can

The Devil’s Junkie Podcast: Following lopsided loss ASU’s resiliency will be tested once again A minor setback before a major comeback? That’s how the ASU coaches and players would like to view their 21-3 loss to Utah as they look to bounce back from that defeat as they take to the road again to meet UCLA. We discuss what took place Saturday night in Salt Lake City and what implications can that contest have on a matchup with the Bruins that can truly define the 2019 season for the Sun Devils.  Episode Rundown (32 minutes) (1:30) It was one of the worst offensive games in the history of the ASU football program. How much did the caliber of opponent play a part in comparison to the Sun Devils’ talent level and overall approach? (17:06) The ASU defense shot itself in the foot with numerous penalties but are there some positives to take away from the Sun Devils’ performance on this side of the ball? (24:53) Previewing ASU’s road matchup at UCLA. Are the Bruins coming in with legitimate momentum into this co

Reviewing another dramatic Pac-12 win, this time at home to the tune of a 38-34 decision over Washington State, and how the positive familiar trends outweighed the negatives tendencies in a precious conference victory. This Saturday it’s on to Utah for a challenging road battle against the favorite to win the Pac-12 South. We discuss the key elements of this week’s foe and how they can affect the contest.  Episode Rundown (35 minutes) (1:32) We talk about the heroics of true freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels’ career day and a game-winning touchdown run and how the ASU offense was able to dig itself out of a first-quarter hole. (12:38) Many were wondering how well the Sun Devil defense would be able to deal with the explosive Washington State offense. Here’s how the grueling chess match unfolded in favor of ASU.  (24:41) Examining the Saturday afternoon matchup in Salt Lake City, and what ASU fans should look out for in the Sun Devils’ next foe? (34:07) Before we sign off we offer a preview of our prega

Reviewing the 24-17 road win at Cal, and going into the bye we provide our overview of the 2019 season to date, and whether the Sun Devils are poised to better themselves from last season’s mark? We also discuss the new California State law allowing student-athletes to earn money from using their likeness in 2023.   Episode Rundown (56 minutes) (1:30) Another week, another road win against a ranked opponent. The offense and defense were able to deliver in a significant way when it really mattered and that has become a staple of this year’s team. (15:52) There is much to get excited about what has transpired in the first five games for ASU, but areas of concern do persist and can potentially hold back Arizona State from building on its momentum. (34:56) ASU’s Associate Dean in the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and the lead administrator of ASU’s Sports Law & Business Program discusses the new California State law allowing student-athletes to earn money from using their likeness in 2023. Will this

Recapping the 34-31 loss to Colorado and discussing whether the Sun Devils can rebound as they take to the road to face no. 15 Cal? Episode Rundown (38 minutes) (1:03) A less than adequate defensive game plan put ASU in a hole that they could not climb out of. What were the aspects that contributed to it? (12:00) Even in a loss, there are a lot of positives that the Sun Devil can draw upon for their next game and beyond. But what are some the areas they still need to clean up on? (24:43) Looking ahead to the ASU’s road game at Cal, how can the Sun Devils get back on track and how much significance does the result of this contest carry moving forward?

Episode Rundown (32 minutes) (0:44) Discussing the all too familiar sight of a dominating Sun Devil defense which bends but not breaks and in instrumental in supporting a struggling offense en route to another win. (11:58) Having extremely difficulty is moving the ball and scoring against a stout Spartan defense is more than understandable, but when it counted the most this side of the ball for ASU came through. (22:31) Looking ahead to the ASU’s Pac-12 opener against Colorado at home this Saturday and the chances of the Sun Devils to continue their momentum thus far.