Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith has faced some tough road games during his time in college football.

But when the senior was asked what road environment was the toughest he’s faced, the answer might surprise some.

“Jordan-Hare, a lot of people sleep on Auburn,” Smith said. “When you go in Jordan-Hare you better be ready to play football.”

Smith has experienced the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry” at Jordan-Hare twice — Georgia won 21-14 in 2019 and followed that up with a 34-10 win last season. The Bulldogs have won the game for the past 5 years and hold a 62-56-8 overall lead in the series.

“I just remember my freshman year, going into Jordan-Hare and it was a tight game,” Smith continued. “Travon Walker got that last sack. I still get goosebumps thinking about that.”

He will not play at Jordan-Hare again, but Smith gets one final shot at Auburn on October 8.

Smith is just one of three starters returning after Georgia won the CFP championship in 2021 — it’s first football national championship in 41 years. There will be a lot of youth on the Bulldogs defense in 2022, but Smith is excited to see what they new faces have to offer.

“I see a bunch of young guys that fly around excited to learn football, exciting to be under coach Smart,” Smith said. “That’s the ultimate reason why I also came back. Being able to learn from him and just take every day in as you can, one step at a time.”