CFP FIRST ROUND: TULANE VS OLE MISS

December 20, 2025

TJ Dottery

Vaught Hemingway Stadium

Ole Miss Rebels

Postgame Press Conference

Ole Miss 41, Tulane 10

Q. TJ, what did you see from the defense tonight? I think it reminded all of us of that September matchup.

TJ DOTTERY: Physicality from the jump. I feel like we dominated the line of scrimmage and showed why we're here in the SEC.

Q. You held them O-fer for fourth downs in both games. What is it about y'all's defense that you felt matched up well in those moments against them?

TJ DOTTERY: Really about executing. When we get to those moments and fourth down and critical down, executing the play call, because it's really not about the play. It's just executing everyone's job at that point.

Q. As a defensive player, have you started focusing on Georgia, and what does it mean to get another shot at that game?

TJ DOTTERY: Definitely. It means a lot to get another shot at that game. Honestly, right after the game when we lost, I kind of figured we were going to have another shot at them, not knowing when, but what better opportunity than now.

Q. TJ, we talked to Will earlier, and he told me that you and him had a conversation about how y'all kind of took it personally that Georgia didn't punt once in the last game against y'all. What are you looking -- most looking forward to in facing the Bulldogs again?

TJ DOTTERY: Man, just spotting the ball and getting out there and playing them. Knowing they're a very physical team, and we're a very physical team, so that's what I'm most excited for, just the physicality of that game.

Q. Take us through the first fumble. You hit them, ball pops out, Kapena grabs it and scoops it up. Can you take us through your emotions at that point and what you saw on the field?

TJ DOTTERY: I was excited. We preach turnovers a lot, and haven't gotten as many as we wanted up to this point in the season, but today came out with two or three. So that was really good.

That was good just to get another turnover.

Q. You mentioned this to me earlier this week, but you kind of talked about how you felt that the defense personally had not played a full game all year long. How would you evaluate the performance from you guys tonight? Did you feel like that was a complete game, or was there still things you felt like you could work on as a defense?

TJ DOTTERY: Still definitely some things to work on. Kind of limit the explosive plays, but we did find a way to get off the field a lot of those times and when we did give up explosive plays. But limiting explosive plays, no my bads, and so we can go out three and out from the gate rather than allowing teams to drive down the field.

Q. After everything in this game you've been through, how was it for you guys getting a win for Coach (off microphone)?

TJ DOTTERY: Means a lot. He deserves it, man. The guy he is, he's the same guy every day: Genuine, and truly cares about us and this program. He cares about this program a lot, and that shows.

So it was huge for us to get that first win for him.

Q. A lot of your teammates on the defensive side of the ball have said they're kind of coming back. Are you the kind of guy that kind of figures that stuff out at the end of the season, or do you already have a decision? Not that I'm asking for your decision.

TJ DOTTERY: Yeah, definitely. I feel like I've been praying on it a lot, and the decision is definitely going to come. Really just been focused on the playoffs, man. Big opportunity, and don't want to waste it, and focusing on the future.