TJ Dottery: Ole Miss Ready for ‘Meaningful Football in December’ as Rebels Will Look to Contain Tulane QB
OXFORD, Miss. — For Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery, it’s no surprise the Rebels will be in a playoff game this weekend. When transferring in from Clemson back in 2023, the Alabama native knew this Ole Miss team would play meaningful football in December. When they face Tulane on December 20, the Rebels could earn their first-ever playoff win.
Containing the Quarterback
The Rebels have already faced Tulane once at the Vaught this season. The home team finished as 45-10 winners on September 20, with the Green Wave scoring a late touchdown after Ole Miss had taken out the defensive starters.
Dottery, says the team has a very similar game plan for the defense. With opposition quarterback Jake Retzlaff, the Green Wave has a dangerous runner with the ball. Containing him and making him throw the ball are key for new head coach Pete Golding’s defense.
“For sure, a very explosive offense,” said Dottery of Tulane.
“The key factor is their quarterback. That’s what gets them going, and being able to contain him because he is fast and he’s mobile outside of the pocket. So being able to contain him in the pocket and make him throw passes from the pocket.”
TJ Dottery on Tulane
In their meeting earlier this season, the Rebels limited Retzlaff to just 56 passing yards on 17 attempts, of which just five were completions. One new thing this go around is Pete Golding will be on the sidelines, as opposed to up in the booth, now that he is head coach. Dottery was asked whether this change will be of significant benefit.
“Definitely. I feel that might be better in terms of just being able to communicate with him face-to-face and hear him, versus on the mic, and him being able to get on the board right then and there if he needed to in situations. So, I feel like if anything, it’ll be a plus.“
TJ Dottery on Coach Golding
Dottery Excited About Potential Record Crowd
There could be a record crowd Saturday for the first-ever college football playoff game for Ole Miss football. Dottery is excited about that for the program, but what thrills him more is playing postseason football that is meaningful.
“What excites me the most is just having another opportunity to play meaningful football in December. But that’s awesome. I feel like the crowd shouldn’t affect how we play, but that’s awesome that, as you said, it’s potentially a record-breaking crowd at home, first playoff appearance. So awesome.“
TJ Dottery
The winner of the game will face Georgia in the next round, but first comes Tulane. Ole Miss will want to make sure the Green Wave doesn’t get the revenge they are looking for after the earlier-season defeat. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
Jordan Merritt
Jordan is a freelance writer who covers sports, games, and more. A United Kingdom native, he covers everything Ole Miss for The Rebel Walk. He has written for several publications, including Athlon Sports, On SI, Fansided, and others. Away from writing, he loves spending time with his family and watching films and TV series.
