There was a lot to like for Auburn fans in Saturday’s 31-16 victory at Ole Miss. The Tigers broke a two-game skid, leading from the outset before putting away the game in the third quarter.

The Tigers (5-3, 2-3 SEC) are one win from bowl eligibility. But more important, Auburn built some momentum heading into a bye week that precedes a very challenging four-game finish to the regular season. Auburn plays Texas A&M on Nov. 3 at Jordan-Hare and visits Georgia Nov. 10 leading up to the Iron Bowl.

Here are five things I liked about Auburn’s victory and three things the Tigers could improve.

Things I liked

1. Gameplan: There’s an old saying in sports: “Take what the defense gives you.” Head coach Gus Malzahn did just that. The Tigers carried out a gameplan that took full advantage of the Rebels’ weaknesses, particularly along both offensive and defensive lines.

2. Rushing attack: Coming into the game, the Rebels were last in the SEC against the run, giving up an average of 210 rushing yards per contest. The Tigers took advantage with a rushing attack that churned out 269 yards. JaTarvious Whitlow piled up a career-high 170 rushing yards (19 carries) as the Tigers’ offensive line blew open gaping holes in the Rebels’ defense.

3. Pressure defense: The Tigers recorded five sacks, including a career-high three from Nick Coe. Jamien Sherwood came up with his first career sack and Marlon Davidson added one. The Tigers also came up with five quarterback hurries and made Jordan Ta’amu, the SEC passing leader, uncomfortable throughout.

4. Stuffed run: The Tigers’ defense made things difficult for Ole Miss running backs. Rebels RB Scottie Phillips entered the contest second in the SEC with 723 rushing yards, averaging 103 per game. But Auburn held him to just 59 yards on 17 carries.

5. Second-half intensity: The game was still very much in doubt at halftime with Auburn holding a slim 10-6 edge. But the Tigers came out of the locker room with a purpose, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions of the second half to pull away. The three touchdown drives covered 68, 75, and 62 yards, respectively.

Things that need improving

1. Pass defense: Ta’amu threw for 324 yards passing despite being sacked or hurried regularly. Perhaps that can be expected with the Rebels playing from behind from the outset and trailing 31-9 in the third quarter. And it’s still below his 328-yard average. But regardless of the circumstances, 300-plus yards passing is too many to give up. By comparison, Missouri entered this week’s action last in the SEC against the pass, yielding an average of 301 yards per game.

2. Penalties: The Tigers had cut down considerably on penalties the previous two games, but that number rose again on Saturday to eight penalties for 80 yards. In a close game, that’s too many. The Tigers haven’t been penalized for that many yards since being flagged for 111 in the LSU game.

3. Field goal woes continue: The Tigers came in near the bottom of the SEC rankings in field goal percentage (57 percent). Only Kentucky (50 percent) was worse. Saturday, Anders Carlson missed two more attempts (47 and 45 yards), sandwiched between a successful 28-yarder. It’s a statistic that tends to be overlooked in a two-touchdown victory, but Auburn’s kicking must improve.