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...
Jan 27, 2020•24 min•Ep. 77
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 ...
Jan 05, 2020•50 min•Ep. 76
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.
Jan 04, 2020•11 min•Ep. 75
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 the...
Dec 23, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 74
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
Dec 20, 2019•14 min•Ep. 73
A ho-hum ASU win over its archrival didn’t generate many fireworks but the next morning in Tempe was much more eventful in comparison as head coach Herm Edwards announced the dismissals of offensive coordinator Rob Likens, wide receivers coach Charlie Fisher and tight ends coach Donnie Yantis. Those two topics and an extensive Q&A session with ASU fans are all covered in this week’s episode. Episode Rundown (49 minutes) (1:10) We dive right into the dramatic coaching staff decision Edwards h...
Dec 02, 2019•50 min•Ep. 72
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 th...
Nov 26, 2019•53 min•Ep. 71
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 yea...
Nov 19, 2019•56 min•Ep. 70
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...
Nov 12, 2019•49 min•Ep. 69
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 minute...
Oct 29, 2019•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 68
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. E...
Oct 21, 2019•32 min•Ep. 67
Oct 17, 2019•14 min•Ep. 66
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 ...
Oct 15, 2019•36 min•Ep. 65
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 ...
Oct 01, 2019•1 hr•Ep. 64
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...
Sep 25, 2019•46 min•Ep. 63
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 Satur...
Sep 15, 2019•1 hr•Ep. 62
My interview today with Jon Crispin and Jon Jansen breaking down Saturday's afternoon matchup in East Lansing
Sep 12, 2019•7 min•Ep. 61
Episode Rundown (45 minutes) (0:52) What has been the main culprit for the Sun Devils' offensive struggles and how can they be remedied? (15:55) The ASU defense and special teams, on the other hand, have been bright spots in this young 2019 season. How can their performance be impacted as they continue and carry a heavy burden for this team? (33:16) Looking ahead to the road game at Michigan State what are some of the aspects that can dictate the outcome of this game?...
Sep 10, 2019•49 min•Ep. 60
Episode Rundown (75 minutes) (1:09) Why was Jayden Daniels named ASU's first-ever freshman quarterback to start the season opener? We discuss the evolution of this position battle and what this means now to the other signal-callers in terms of their depth chart ranking. (16:44) There were many other stories lines on offense to track at Camp Tontozona and discuss them all in this segment (43:00) Moving to the other side of the ball, how did the influx of bodies compared to spring affect the play ...
Aug 13, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 59
Episode Rundown (18 minutes) LOS ANGELES - Ralph Amsden and Hod Rabino share their impressions of Pac-12 Media Day, how the various coaches reacted to their standing in the preseason poll, and how do they see the division races shaping up for the 2019 season.
Jul 30, 2019•18 min•Ep. 58
We’re exactly one month ahead of ASU’s season opener and just a couple of days away from the Sun Devils’ first preseason practice. We take a comprehensive look at the 2019 Arizona State squad and break down each and every position and its storylines going into this season. Episode Rundown (128 minutes) (1:11) Reviewing the media preseason poll from Pac-12 Media Day. Was that projection a fair one for ASU and its conference foes? (12:17) We start our Fall Camp preview with the question on every A...
Jul 29, 2019•2 hr 12 min•Ep. 57
Episode Rundown (82 minutes) (0:59) Discussing the hire of Marvin Lewis to the football coaching staff, the two newest 2020 class pledges. (13:39) How should we view the 15 players who departed the program during and after the 2018 season? Which now former players may adversely impact the team more than others and how do I view the concept of the transfer portal? (30:51) ASU basketball adds two junior college frontcourt players in the 2019 class. How well have they reconciled the departures on t...
Jun 03, 2019•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 56
Breakdown (67 minutes) (:36) Earlier this evening ASU basketball head coach Bobby Hurley announced that he and the school are working on a contract extension. Why did Hurley turn down an opportunity at St. John's and what aspects of his current job compelled him to stay with the Sun Devils? (27:50) Luguentz Dort leaving for the NBA draft was no surprise but slamming the door shut on a possible return was. What were the factors in play and how will that affect the 2019-20 roster? (50:56) Answerin...
Apr 12, 2019•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 55
Breakdown (49 minutes) (:35) Analyzing ASU’s 91-74 loss to Buffalo in the NCAA Tournament. Were the warning signs already present 48 hours prior in a win over St. John’s? (16:19) Putting that loss in the rearview mirror how should we look at the totality of the 2018-19 campaign? Discussing whether Luguentz Dort will leave for the NBA draft and the one-year impact Zylan Cheatham has had on this program. (45:12) Should we view this season as a success and what should we look forward to next season...
Mar 23, 2019•50 min•Ep. 54
Breakdown (62 minutes) (1:59) Discussing the path the Sun Devils took in qualifying for the field of 68. Was the First Four seeding too harsh? How can playing a midweek game in Dayton affect ASU heading into that contest and also in the event that they advance? (14:47) Breaking down ASU’s opponent on Wednesday, St. John’s, and why the Red Storm will remind you so much of the 2017-18 Sun Devils? (25:03) Mailbag time: Answering our DevilsDigest.com’s subscribers and Twitter followers' questions....
Mar 18, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 53
Breakdown (93 minutes) (2:41) Describing the in-game and postgame atmosphere in Tucson and explaining the overall context of Saturday’s win (11:14) Breaking down ASU’s 72-64 win over Arizona and its implications for postseason play both in this week’s Pac-12 Tournament and potentially next week in the NCAA Tournament. (27:45) Putting a bow on ASU Football spring practices, discussing my observations and providing a snapshot of each and every position and what we can expect in fall camp. (65:14) ...
Mar 10, 2019•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 52
Discussing the state of the Sun Devils as they conclude their spring practices. Why the early practice date, the latest on the quarterback battle and si there a buzz for the 2019 season?
Mar 01, 2019•19 min•Ep. 51
Breakdown (95 minutes) (1:56) Thin numbers and injuries during spring practice have made it challenging to get a true read on ASU football, but nonetheless, we’ll provide our takeaways from the various position groups, and discuss which players are cementing their depth chart position thus far. We start on offense and a quarterback competition that seems to be following the same narrative as the first week of spring. (30:32) We provide a snapshot of the defense throughout eight spring sessions a...
Feb 18, 2019•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 50
Breakdown (82 minutes) This is the time of the year where both spring practice and ASU basketball converge to overlap with each other, but we give each their due time to discuss the latest developments. (2:01) What did we learn from the first week of spring practice? Small sample size and all one quarterback is somewhat distancing itself from the pack, and we also talk about some of the players that have been early surprises in the Sun Devils’ first four sessions. (36:30) The last two games by A...
Feb 11, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 49
Breakdown (106 minutes) As we enter the shortest month of the year, there is hardly a shortage of topics to discuss (and this was before the Friday player transfer news dump). (0:43) Offensive coordinator Rob Likens and the Sun Devils’ four quarterbacks addressed the media ahead of next week’s spring practice. We bring you some of the highlights from their comments and talk about how they relate to the various team aspects on this side of the ball during the 15 February sessions. (41:39) Defensi...
Feb 01, 2019•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 48