Red Wolves, Tigers still a heated rivalry

Arkansas State linebacker Kivon Bennett tackles Ohio State receiver Julian Fleming last Saturday. As the Red Wolves prepare to take on Memphis tonight, Bennett said the rivalry with the Tigers “means a lot to us here.” (AP/Jay LaPrete)Even those who have partaken in the Arkansas State-Memphis series once understand its significance.

"I felt [the rivalry] walking in the building yesterday," offensive tackle Makilan Thomas said Tuesday.

"This rivalry is one that means a lot to us here ... and everybody knows what's at stake," Kivon Bennett added.

There no longer is a trophy up for grabs -- buckets of paint and a handful of brushes that led to the contest being dubbed the "Paint Bucket Bowl" --…