Checking the Tigers’ temperatures before a clash with No. 3 Mississippi on Saturday.

BOILING OVER

The offensive line. After heating up the last few weeks, the offensive line blasted Kentucky with its best performance of the season. The Tigers ran for more than 300 yards for the third time this season, and the first time against a Power 5 team. The line was opening up holes so big that Terrence Magee, Darrel Williams and the rest of the running back corps were getting to the second level of the defense before Kentucky defenders even laid hands on them. The line, anchored by tackle La’el Collins and guard Vadal Alexander, will have to step it up yet again against the Ole Miss defensive front this weekend.

KINDLING FIRE

The run defense. In the last two games, the formerly porous middle of the defense has stiffened up. Against Florida and Kentucky, the Tigers gave up less than 200 yards combined and held the Gators and Wildcats to a combined 2.8 yards per carry. That comes after giving up 772 yards and 5.7 yards per carry over the three previous games. The improvement in performance came along with Kendell Beckwith’s insertion into the starting lineup at middle linebacker. While you can’t pin the turnaround on just one man, the sophomore brings much-needed athleticism to the heart of the defense. Along with Quentin Thomas’ return at defensive tackle, there’s hope that the defense might be able to slow down some of the potent running attacks they’ll face down the line.

CHILLY

Non-Dural receivers. In his sophomore season, Travin Dural has emerged as the Tigers’ go-to wide receiver. In many regards, though, he’s their only receiver. Against Kentucky, he was the only wide receiver to catch a pass. Against Florida, fellow wideouts Trey Quinn and Malachi Dupre combined for 4 catches, but their 39 yards were less than Dupre’s 52 on just 2 receptions. This can be partially attributed to Jennings, who seems to only look downfield for Dural and dumps it off or tucks the ball, often for little or no gain, when Dural isn’t open. Through eight games, Dural’s 26 receptions are nearly as many as the rest of the receiving corps 34 catches. It’ll be on both the quarterback and the secondary receivers to change that.

ICY

Les Miles’ stare. No surprise here, but the Mad Hatter claims he’s not at all thinking about next season. A reporter found out just how sharp Miles’ wit is when he asked if the coach was thinking about 2015’s quarterback situation. Understandably, Miles is concerned with beating the third-ranked team in the country on Saturday and making noise in the SEC West the rest of the way. Next year will sort itself out just then.