Ole Miss offensive coordinator Phil Longo spoke with the Oxford media on Monday and emphasized the challenge his team will face when it travels to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama Saturday.

He said he’s excited to play the Crimson Tide, but noted how good Alabama is.

“The front seven … they’re fantastic,” Longo said at a press conference. “First of all, all 11 guys, They’re 11 solid. There’s a reason they’re the number one team in the country.

“I think Alabama, just like any defense, you want to try and keep them honest. They’re so athletic … even if they step out of position, they’re so athletic they’re able to retrace and cover mistakes,” Longo added. “They did a great job in coverage. They do a great job in fitting the run plays. They do a great job of helping each other so there aren’t those one-on-one matchups.”

Longo, who arrived in Oxford last December, will be making his first trip as a coach to Alabama’s raucous Bryant-Denny Stadium. He said he’s looking forward to the trip, but doesn’t expect to be phased by the crowd noise.

“I can’t speak for other coaches, but as soon as the ball gets kicked off, I don’t see anything. I don’t hear anything. I’m locked into the game. I think before the game, like players and fans and everything else, I enjoy and appreciate the atmosphere,” he said. “From what I understand, it’s an intimidating place to play. Once we snap the football, it really doesn’t matter to me. I’m looking forward to it to be honest with you.”