Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The unique Coca-Cola fight between Lane Kiffin and Brian Kelly continued on Tuesday as the Ole Miss head coach mocked Kelly following LSU’s loss to USC.
After a fan posted a photo of Kelly’s distraught face from his emotional press conference on Sunday night, Kiffin responded by joking that he might need a Coke Zero and a smile.
The situation began when Kiffin made a comment during a press conference on August 19 about the amount of sugar contained in a single bottle of Coca-Cola, which has a sponsorship deal with the University of Mississippi.
Mike, Safety Officer @MichaelWBratton
How long will it take for Coca-Cola to withdraw its support of Lane Kiffin’s press conferences?
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Two days later, Kelly mocked Kiffin’s comments by beginning his press conference by praising Coca-Cola and its products.
The Bengal Tiger @BengalTigerOn3
Lane Kiffin’s press conference: “Does anyone drink Coke? Do you realize that 130% of your sugar needs for the entire day are in that one bottle?”
Brian Kellyâs press conference: âHold my SmartwaterâŚâ pic.twitter.com/3mPxJhAIic
The two SEC coaches have exchanged online comments for years, with Kiffin trolling Kelly in 2022 when the LSU head coach took a glambot photo with tight end recruit Danny Lewis Jr.
Nearly 10 months later, Kelly and the Tigers took revenge with a 45-20 win over then-7th-ranked Mississippi.
Since Kelly was hired by LSU in November 2021, the Tigers and Rebels have split two head-to-head meetings, with each team winning on its home field. Ole Miss earned a 55-49 victory in the Game with the highest score in the history of the rivalry.
Both Mississippi and LSU began this season in the top 15 of the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll. The Rebels’ No. 6 seed is their highest preseason ranking since 1970.
Kiffin’s team opened the season with a 76-0 win over FCS program Furman on Saturday. Kelly and the Tigers lost 27-20 to No. 23 USC on Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium.
LSU and Mississippi will renew their rivalry in the Magnolia Bowl on October 12 at Tiger Stadium.
