Last year, Ole Miss rose up as high as No. 3 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. Last year, Tennessee-Martin finished the season 6-6.

It doesn’t seem to be a very even matchup between Hugh Freeze’s Rebels and Jason Simpson’s Skyhawks. But for the Rebels, this will be an opportunity to get the team situated before bigger opponents come to town. In particular, Freeze is still looking for a permanent starting quarterback and evaluating game play during the season opener is a great way to form a decision.

Here are five impact players to watch from both teams:

1. QB Chad Kelly (Ole Miss)

It’s a given that Kelly has to be included on this list. His performance in this game will not only impact his team, but also impact himself and his future as starting quarterback for the Rebels, a job that has not yet been guaranteed to him. Perhaps with that as his motivator, Kelly will play at the level which helped him earn 3,609 passing yards and 47 touchdowns while in junior college.

2. QB Jarod Neal (Tennessee-Martin)

The Skyhawks have their own experienced quarterback to match whichever Rebels quarterback is in the game. A fifth-year senior, Neal had 1,880 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Freeze has commented on his accuracy as a passer, and Simpson has been pleased with how Neal has handled his larger leadership role.

3. DE Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss)

Now that he’s completely healthy, everyone is waiting for Nkemdiche to tear up offenses. In the last two years, Nkemdiche has tallied 55 total tackles, 9 for a loss, and is guaranteed to start earning more right from Ole Miss’ season opener. Even though the Skyhawks boast many returners on offense, they have weak points on their offensive line which is great news for Nkemdiche.

4. WR Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss)

The biggest ally Kelly has for making him look good on the field is Treadwell, which means Kelly will be targeting Treadwell frequently. The Rebels receiver is another valuable player who has come back after an injury, and is more than ready to show his talents again. Last season, in nine games, he scored 632 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. The only thing to worry about is protecting his health while he holds down the offense.

5. WR William Tanner (Tennessee-Martin)

This Kentucky transfer was the leading receiver for the Skyhawks last year. He had 38 catches for 527 yards and 4 touchdowns. Simpson was not satisfied with his receiving corps last year, but Tanner is one of a talented looking group this year, which makes Neal happy. Simpson also noted Tanner’s competitiveness and playmaking ability during preseason camp.