Ole Miss football’s “Come to the ‘Sip” slogan has become well-known as coach Lane Kiffin’s Rebels have elevated their recruiting efforts in the transfer portal and high school ranks.
But Mississippi State linebacker John Lewis expressed a sour taste for Ole Miss’ use of the phrase at SEC Media Days Wednesday in Dallas.
“It’s overrated. This is our state,” Lewis said, according to a post on X by ESPN’s Chris Low. “Everybody knows that. We run the ‘Sip because we run Mississippi. We’ve been saying it. They’re just following us, so it’s OK. They literally want to be us.”
It was one of a few comments made Wednesday from Mississippi State’s side toward Ole Miss.
First-year coach Jeff Lebby, who served as Ole Miss’ offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021, was asked about Kiffin’s social media posts that have thrown shade at him since he was hired in November. Lebby called it a “little childish” but also noted the respect he has for Kiffin.
Lewis, a junior from Canton, made three starts last season and notched a career-high 20 tackles in 12 games. He mainly played on the line of scrimmage but will move back to the second level of the defense for the 2024 season.
MORE: What Nick Saban already likes about Mississippi State football offense under Jeff Lebby
Sam Sklar is the Southern Miss beat reporter for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at ssklar@hattiesb.gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.