Mississippi State linebacker John Lewis had some bold comments about Ole Miss and college football in the Magnolia State at SEC Media Days. However, his opinion could not be less self aware.
A former punter for the Rebels makes him look very foolish!
Lewis, a rising redshirt junior, appeared in all 12 games for the Bulldogs in each of the last two seasons. He made the first three starts of his career in 2023. This upcoming fall will be his first year as a starter.
As such, first-year head coach Jeff Lebby tapped him to represent Mississippi State in Dallas as the starting middle linebacker and one of the more experienced players on the team. In hindsight, it might’ve been better to leave him at home because of what he proudly stated on the record.
Lewis put his foot in his mouth, though it was on purpose so I’m not sure if that saying applies.
The Mississippi-native mocked Ole Miss’ “Come to the Sip” mantra because “everybody knows” that “Mississippi State runs the Sip because Mississippi State runs Mississippi.” He added that “Ole Miss literally wants to be Mississippi State.”
Let’s pause here for a moment so I can break the third wall!
I am a graduate of the University of Mississippi, the flagship university. Never once did I want to go to Mississippi State or “be” Mississippi State. I don’t like the Bulldogs because they are the Rebels’ biggest rival. In fact, I put my bias aside during my lone trip to Starkville and could not have been less impressed, except for Restaurant Tyler. I also had a good time at Ricks. I do not need to return, really ever.
Putting all of that aside, let’s continue.
Lewis also mentioned that Mississippi State “runs the Sip.” Hm. I don’t know about all that!
Ole Miss leads the head-to-head series 56-30. There are 26 wins that separate the two teams. The Rebels also won three of the last four.
To go even one step further, Lewis has played three years with the Bulldogs and has yet to record a single tackle in the Egg Bowl. Former Rebels punter Mac Brown went on a vicious hitting spree and destroyed everyone in his path in Starkville in 2021. He — a punter — has two more tackles in the Egg Bowl than someone who is openly mocking the team that wins more often.
“Nobody from State is safe that night! He will learn real quick” — Mac Brown
Need more be said??
John Lewis was actively thinking about Ole Miss on the 17th of July, which is classic little brother mentality. Although Ole Miss was not thinking about him, the Rebels are going to slap his quote right up on the bulletin board!