MEMPHIS -- Explosive plays are an all-too-frequent lament from Arkansas State Coach Butch Jones.
The Red Wolves allowed 20 plays of 50-plus yards last season, more than any team in the nation, including three against Memphis -- all of which went for touchdowns. And the Tigers doubled down in the rematch Saturday, breaking five plays of at least 30 yards against an ASU defense that has now given up 40 or more points in 8 of 15 games under Jones.
Resolving the Red Wolves' defensive woes would seem the straightforward solution. But with a young unit that still lacks depth, that fix will require time.