Devil’s Junkie Podcast

(23 minutes) Examining an ASU defense that is replacing all but two starters and yet already creating a high bar of expectations as the Sun Devils prepare for the 2026 season

(13 Minutes) Position by position, are we poised to see a more talented Sun Devil team this year? Weighing in on this subject and more on the ESPN 620AM Roc and Manuch show

(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.

(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!

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.