Ole Miss’ TJ Dottery looks at keys to stopping Arkansas QB, talks about Pooh Paul’s return to Fayetteville
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss middle linebacker TJ Dottery stepped to the podium ahead of this weekend’s matchup against Arkansas and discussed game planning for the Razorbacks, linebacker Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul Jr.’s return to Fayetteville, and what it’s like playing behind the fierce Rebel defensive line.
Back on the road
🆚 Arkansas
🗓️ Nov. 02
🕚 11:00 AM CT
📺 ESPN#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/M4UXoQ52jV— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 28, 2024
The Landshark defense was swarming in this past Saturday’s win over the Oklahoma Sooners, racking up 15 tackles-for-loss and 10 sacks on the day. Although Rebel linebacker TJ Dottery may not have joined the sack party, the sophomore finished third on the team in tackles for the game with 10 as he played a huge role in the middle of the field.
Monday, the Rebel defender described playing behind the Ole Miss defensive front as ‘awesome.’
“We just do what we can to get those guys one-on-one. Just disguising whatever it is to get our guys one-on-one (with their matchups). We have a great defensive line, so we feel good about everybody across the board.”
~ Dottery on playing behind the Rebel D-Line
Despite sitting out a game earlier in the season, Dottery is second on the team in tackles with 53 on the year thus far. The middle linebacker has also found himself in the backfield occasionally like his Rebel teammates, adding a pair of tackles-for-loss on the year along with a sack and four quarterback pressures.
Although the Landshark defense finished the job and shut the Sooners down in the second half, the first half of play was the complete opposite as the Rebels trailed 14-10 at the break. Dottery commented on the locker room adjustments, commending the Rebels for playing a disciplined second half.
“One, just disciplinary things. The minor penalties, extending drives on third downs from the penalties, just being smarter in that standpoint. Then in the red zone (specifically), other areas, just being disciplined and sticking to our assignments with everybody talking and communicating.”
~ Dottery on the halftime adjustments against OU
On Pooh Paul’s return to Arkansas
Ahead of this coming weekend’s rivalry game against the Razorbacks, a lot of talk has revolved around middle linebacker Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul Jr. returning to Fayetteville after transferring to Ole Miss in the offseason. With Paul Jr. being a defensive leader and Dottery’s partner in the middle of the Rebel defense, Dottery was asked about his relationship with the former Razorback.
“Pooh is a great person, as well as a great football player, but he’s also a great person. That’s why I think our relationship has been built the most off the field. Being able to talk and communicate about football and just life. I feel like I can go to him, and he can come to me about anything.”
~ Dottery on his relationship with Paul Jr.
Dottery also stated Paul Jr. is always pumped for every upcoming game; however, this time around he can tell that this one means a little more to his Rebel teammate.
“Pooh comes with a sense of urgency really every game, so it is really hard to tell the difference. I am pretty sure it will be (more important), but he is a really smart football player and won’t let the emotions get the best of him.”
~ Dottery on Paul Jr. returning to Fayetteville
Facing Arkansas’ dynamic QB
Moving into preparation for the matchup with Arkansas, Dottery and his Landshark teammates plan to face one of the most dynamic players in the country in quarterback Taylen Green. Using his arm and his legs, Green has racked up 2,451 total yards of offense this season, third in the SEC behind No. 1 Jaxson Dart (2,902 total yards) and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (2,640). The dual-threat Green, under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, has completed over 72% of his passes the past three games.
Of the SEC QBs, Green ranked No. 1 in the league in total QBR in week 9, just ahead of Rebel quarterback Jaxson Dart. Dottery commented on what the plan will be in preparing for an elite dual-threat player such as Green.
“Definitely being disciplined. Just everybody doing their job and staying on their assignment, rather than getting antsy and wanting a sack. Just being able to stay disciplined and do our job.”
~ Dottery on preparing for Taylen Green
Against Mississippi State last Saturday, a 52-25 win for the Hogs, Green threw for 314 yards and five touchdowns and also rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown. He ran for 79 yards with an impressive 9.9 yards-per-carry average.
“He can run really well. Once he gets out of the pocket, he’s really good at making defenders miss and getting extra yards.”
– Dottery on Taylen Green
Up Next
Dottery and his Rebel teammates will continue their week of preparation ahead of the trip to Fayetteville. On Saturday, Nov. 2, the No. 19 Ole Miss Rebels will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks at 11 am CT on ESPN.
Kameron Wicker
Kam is a senior at Ole Miss, currently pursuing a degree in Journalism. Even though he's from Delhi, Louisiana, that didn't stop Kam from growing up a diehard Ole Miss fan. He's a sports guru who watches and follows all sports at all times. He lettered four years in football and baseball in high school and is an avid Saints, Pelicans, and Astros fan. In his free time, you can find him watching sports or at the rec participating in them.
