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 that group of incoming freshmen.

(37:36) One can argue that ASU basketball was hardly coming on a high note into the Pac-12 portion of their schedule, and unfortunately for the Sun Devils, a trashing by their in-state rival proved that assertion in spades. What is ailing this team and what are its prospects for the rest of the season?

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 

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 handed down Sunday morning, the events that preceded it and what implications it may have. We also discuss some potential replacements for these roles.

(13:47) No, we didn’t forget about ASU’s third consecutive win over in its in-state rival. What were the key elements in this contest that allowed the Sun Devils to keep the Territorial Cup in Tempe?

(25:42) We conclude with fielding a dozen or more questions from my premium subscribers and Twitter followers on the topics discussed in this podcast and more.  

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 detail their experiences of their battles with their archrival, so for a change, we get the point of view of a former Arizona player, Shaq Richardson, and his feelings about the Territorial Cup game. Richardson also talks about the current state of the Wildcats and his view of the 2019 Sun Devils.

(31:47) I offer my thoughts on the rivalry game and take a look at an Arizona squad that has a sharp contrast between its two units on both sides of the ball, as well as the challenges and opportunities that the Wildcats will present ASU.  

(38:07) We conclude the podcast with ASU basketball talk. A 3-2 mark may be a very unassuming record in this juncture of the season, but there are certainly quite a bit of positive to draw from, along with some concerns to note, after ASU's handful batch of games to begin this 2019-20 campaign.

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 conversion play that ultimately was the difference on the scoreboard. Nonetheless, there are issues on this side of the ball that continue to be an unpleasant déjà vu and we discuss those as well.

 (44:46) We conclude the podcast with a quick preview of the home contest versus Oregon,  and how we see ASU fairing in that contest and overall having a chance at a bowl-eligible record.

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 Devils. He reviews Joey Yellen’s debut last Saturday, as well as the play of signal-caller starter Jayden Daniels prior to his injury. He also addresses the question of whether having now capable young quarterbacks will simply be a “good headache” for the ASU coaching staff?

(32:09) Basketball season is already upon us. What were my takeaways from ASU’s 81-71 loss to Colorado, as well as the surprises and disappointments from that contest? 

(42:31) We conclude the podcast with a quick preview of the Oregon State road contest and general thoughts concerning the state of the Sun Devils and what can be done to remedy the current situation.

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 we realistically expect them to finish the regular season.  

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 contest? Why is this game so significant for the Sun Devils?