'It's Like Every Other Game': Rebels' JJ Pegues Reveals Mindset Entering Matchup vs. Alabama

Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman JJ Pegues was available to speak with the media on Tuesday and discussed the team's mentality entering their Week 4 contest versus the Alabama Crimson Tide.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 15 Ole Miss Rebels are preparing for their highly anticipated Week 4 matchup versus the No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide, and while it is easy to get caught up in emotions when playing what is arguably the best program from the last decade, senior defensive lineman JJ Pegues is keeping a level head.

Pegues was made available to speak with the media Tuesday after practice and talked about how he and his teammates are treating it like any other regular season game.

"It's just like every other game," Pegues told reporters. "You have to go in and treat them like any other opponent, and just have the mindset that we are Ole Miss. We are a blue-collar football team and we're coming to get a win on the road."

This game obviously means a lot to the undefeated Rebels, but it means a bit more to new defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who spent the last five years with the Tide under coach Nick Saban.

Through three games this season, Golding has Ole Miss playing a new brand of aggressive defense, which will be tested on the road in Tuscaloosa this Saturday. Pegues discussed how he is fitting in Golding's defense so far.

JJ Pegues vs. Alabama 2022  / Carleigh Holt-The Grove Report

"I fit right in," Pegues said. "[Golding] uses our talent to help out the linebackers, safeties, and defensive line. He schemes everything up very well and I'm confident in the [gameplan] that we have this week."

The Tide are rolling with Jalen Milroe under center this week after the sophomore was benched following Alabama's 34-24 loss to then-No. 11 Texas in Week 2. Ole Miss' defense will have its hands full on Saturday, as Milroe is mobile enough to evade pressure, but he can also attack deep downfield with his cannon arm. 

Pegues explained how the Rebels are preparing for Milroe.

"You tweak things here and there, but at the end of the day we just want to push the pocket," Pegues said. "Coach [Randall] Joyner has a great rush plan for us going in. I feel like we'll be able to handle [Milroe]."

Kickoff between Ole Miss and Alabama on Saturday is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS.