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GLENDALE, Arizona– It has been six days since the miracle in NOLA, where Ole Miss shocked the college football world with their 39-34 upset win over the Georgia Bulldogs in the Caesars Superdome. It’s been five days since the transfer portal opened, and head coach Pete Golding has pulled off some serious commitments while also retaining big-time names on the current roster.
Now hours away from their biggest challenge yet — the Miami Hurricanes in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl in the CFP semifinals –the Rebels are one win away from being in the National Championship game. After landing in Glendale Tuesday, Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery talked with us about the trip, the game and Rebel Nation.
“Body feeling good, travel was amazing. Shoutout to the Patriots for allowing us to use their plane again. Felt like I got some rest on the plane,” said Dottery.
He also described the team’s overall excitement for the semi-final matchup against the Hurricanes.
“Man, the team is excited. I think the team lives for these types of opponents. Big players make big plays in games and that’s truly our team. We’re excited for these moments and ready to make the plays for these moments.”
– Dottery on the Rebels’ mentality
He also talked about why he thinks this team is having so much success.
“I want to say the brotherhood is probably the strongest thing. We all have athletic ability, but the relationship that each player has with each other, regardless of offense, defense, special teams, it doesn’t matter. I feel like that’s what’s really bringing us together. I felt that vibes even from the spring. You could see guys hanging around the facility or just finding extracurricular things to do, just to be around each other.”Â
TJ Dottery on the team’s brotherhood
TJ went on to say that the camaraderie of the players is one reason this year’s team has been able to succeed where last year’s star-laden roster couldn’t.
“I feel like the relationship we have on defense is huge in terms of just — people said we had a better roster the year before, but I feel like the relationship we have is better now and allows for better communication when we get to third and longs, just any situation where we need to get off the field.”
Dottery praises the way head coach Pete Golding has kept the team focused on the game throughout the craziness that has transpired. “By keeping the main thing the focus, and not changing too much in terms of practice schedule or lift times or anything,” Dottery noted. “He kept the things the same that got us here. But I think that’s been the biggest thing keeping things on track.”
Dottery has much love for his school, his teammates and the city of Oxford, and he explained what it means to him for the Rebels to be in this spot with a chance to go win a championship. “Just continue to try to make history and bring one back to Oxford community. They deserve it,” he said, smiling.Â
Dottery and his teammates took note of the huge Ole Miss contingent in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl last week, and he described what that was like.
“Hopefully it’s going to be the same (in the Fiesta Bowl). The Sugar Bowl, that was the loudest game I’ve ever been in. And just to see all the powder blue in the stadium, that was amazing.“
TJ Dottery on Rebel fans in NOLA
Sugar Bowl Reflections
Dottery reflected on last week’s win over Georgia. He said the team knew they could win it and is ready to move forward.
“Being able to celebrate the win, for sure. That was a huge win,” he began. “But it wasn’t surprising to any of us. We kind of felt that coming out of the first game, that that game was winnable. So winning the second game wasn’t a surprise. But it definitely just felt good to win it and move forward and keep on going.”Â
He talked about why the Rebels were able to defeat Georgia the second time they played them this season.
“Tackling, being able to get those guys in longer yardage situations to be able to pass,” Dottery commented. “When they got in those passing moments, execute. I felt like a lot of miscommunication happened in the first game to allow people to be wide open, or just miss a tackle, and allow the first downs to continue driving. We improved on those, two of the biggest things to allow us to win that game. ”
Corey Adams remembered
A special moment took place at the end of the Sugar Bowl when defensive lineman Will Echoles took the microphone and recognized the mother of the Rebels’ slain defensive lineman, Corey Adams, who passed away right before the season began. On Tuesday, Dottery described what a great person Adams was and how his death has led the Rebels through the season.
“It’s been a major part of our story, on the defensive side, and knowing the type of guy he was and what he stood for. He stood for the right things, came to work hard, put his head down. That was even as a young freshman. Just the maturity level he had. So continuing to live by the things he did and going hard for him is huge for us.“
TJ Dottery on the importance of remembering Corey Adams
Preparations for Miami
Miami is not a team to be pushed around. They are a tough and physical with tremendous talent. This game is going to be physical and Dottery is well aware of it. “Mario Cristobal has the mentality of dominating at the line of scrimmage and running the ball, for sure, dominating. A violent game we’re about to go into,” Dottery describes it.Â
He commented on what the Rebels need to do to be successful in the semifinal contest.
“Come and dominate the line of scrimmage. They have a lot of confidence in their run game. It’s very physical, and that’s somewhat of a model to dominate up front. And that’s our plan, to dominate their line of scrimmage and shut that down.”
TJ DotteryÂ
Dottery also mentioned preparing to face Miami running back Mark Fletcher, one of the most dominant backs in college football this season. Fletcher has recorded 177 carries, for 947 yards and ten touchdowns in 2025, alone.
“I’ve been watching a lot of film of Mark Fletcher. Tough guy, heavy runner, runs downhill with his pads up. He’s a hard runner. He has a great O-line behind him,” said Dottery.
Someone Ole Miss is no stranger to is Miami starting quarterback Carson Beck. The Rebels met him before when he played at Georgia. Dottery noted Beck’s growth since the last time the Rebels faced off against him. “For sure, having more experience. And watching him lead that team, he’s done a great job being a leader of that team.”
What’s Next
The Ole Miss Rebels face The Miami Hurricanes in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Playoff semifinal game on January 8th. The game will be broadcast on ESPN with a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff.
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Parks Burcham
Parks Burcham is a sophomore at the University of Mississippi. He is majoring in Journalism, emphasis in Sports Media, with a minor in Sports Management. He is originally from Booneville, Mississippi and graduated high school from Jumpertown Attendance Center.His favorite sports are basketball and football. He chose this path because he has always been extremely interested in the sports world. Parks enjoys all aspects of the game and hopes to do great work in this field.
