Nolan Smith identifies Jordan-Hare Stadium as toughest SEC road trip

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith spoke to the media at SEC Media Days. There, he had plenty of praise for Auburn and Jordan-Hare Stadium when asked about the most difficult road trip that he’s taken in the SEC.

“Jordan-Hare,” said Nolan Smith. “I think Auburn–a lot of people sleep on Auburn. When you go into Jordan-Hare, you better be ready to play football. And I just remember my freshman year, going into Jordan-Hare and it was a tight game and Travon Walker got that last sack. I still get goosebumps thinking about that.”

The annual Georgia-Auburn game is one of the SEC’s great rivalries. Known as the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, was first played in 1892. Since then, the two teams have met 126 times. Under the current SEC scheduling model, the two are cross-division rivals. If the SEC moves to a set of permanent rivals, then you can guarantee these two will continue to play.

Nolan Smith was also asked about the rivalry and challenges that playing Auburn presents. He had nothing but praise for the Tigers.

“We’re about Auburn when we get to Auburn,” explained Nolan Smith. “But, we know they always have a good team. They always put up a good fight. They’re always well coached and always ready to play, especially at Jordan-Hare.”

Nolan Smith returns to Georgia for his senior season in 2022. The former consensus five-star linebacker is going to play a key part in the Bulldogs’ national championship defense, especially given the turnover the Georgia defense is dealing with.

Luckily for Nolan Smith and Georgia, they don’t travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2022. Instead, the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is going to be played in Athens, Georgia. That October 8, 2022 game is sandwiched for Georgia between a trip to Missouri and hosting Vanderbilt at home.