sore point, a

Toledo's defense was a sore point a year ago and a concern this season too, especially after allowing 624 yards and a lot of big plays a week ago against Eastern Michigan.

In another sore point, a U.S. intelligence report to Congress in October said Russia's intelligence services "are conducting a range of activities to collect economic information and technology from U.S. targets."

Another sore point: a Funderburk aide suggested that faculty members granting interviews to the press report the "nature of such conversations" to the director of university relations.

"If you 'll allow me, Captain Bramleigh," said the official, who was now touched to the quick on that sore point, a question of his department—"if you'll allow me, I think I can soon settle this matter."