Ole Miss found its stride this past Saturday against New Mexico State. That’s not saying too much, since the Aggies are winless. But it was a win that Ole Miss needed.

The Rebels have another non-conference matchup coming up in the form of the Memphis Tigers. Even though it’s a non-conference game, the Tigers are completely different from the team the Rebels played a week before. Memphis is riding a 12-game win streak, one that includes a double-overtime win over BYU at the end of the 2014 season. In other words, Ole Miss will need to focus if it wants another victory.

Chad Kelly played well against New Mexico State, going 24 of 33 for 384 yards and 3 touchdowns. He threw to 10 different pass-catchers and nine of them had yardage in the double digits. Laquon Treadwell was in fine form with 8 receptions for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns.

However, other aspects of Ole Miss’ play left something to be desired, even against a non-conference opponent as weak as New Mexico State. The Rebels leading rusher, Eugene Brazley, was unable to break 100 yards against the Aggies defense, which doesn’t bode well for when the Rebels go up against opponents like LSU or even Arkansas. Opening up the run could be crucial in helping Ole Miss convert third downs, something that is still a struggle for the Rebels.

On the other side of the ball, the Rebels defense needs to continue to work on getting off the field. Ole Miss did a good job of this overall against New Mexico State but took a while to get there. Memphis, unlike New Mexico State, is a high-powered, high-scoring offense, not unlike Ole Miss itself. This will be a test for the Rebels defense and good preparation for upcoming SEC offenses.

If all goes well for Ole Miss, no one will look back on the Rebels’ season and remember these two back-to-back non-conference games as keys to their year. However, these two games — especially this one coming up on Saturday — could very well be the understated keys that help Ole Miss rediscover its identity and reestablish solidity.

MEMPHIS TIGERS CLOSER LOOK

Top player, offense: Paxton Lynch, R-Jr., QB — Lynch has been a sensation as leader of the Tigers offense. He notched over 2,000 passing yards his freshman year, over 3,000 his sophomore year and already has 1,535 passing yards on the season.

Top player, defense: Reggis Ball, R-Sr., DB — Ball is the Tigers’ leading tackler with a total of 25 tackles this season, 20 of those solo. He also has intercepted the ball twice so far this year.

Top player, special teams: Jake Elliott, Jr., K — So far this season, Elliott has done his part to help his team rack up the points. He has made 7 of 8 field goals on the year, including one from the 40-yard range and one from over 50 yards.