Lane Kiffin has never denied that he tries to learn from other coaches – even in public relations.

During an interview leading up to the Alabama-Ole Miss game at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Kiffin referred to his team as “little Ole Miss” as it prepares to play the top team in college football. The Crimson Tide are 4-0, ranked No. 1 and are widely considered the favorite to win the national championship this season.

Alabama coaches and players have heard opposing coaches downplay their own chances before. Former Clemson Dabo Swinney took a similar approach. It seemed to work. The Tigers have beaten Alabama in its last 2 of 3 games. Both contests were in the College Football Playoff.

“Yeah I mean Dabo did it and it worked,” Kiffin said when asked about referring to his team as “little”.