Kirby Smart is looking forward to Georgia's night game at Auburn. 'It's a challenge.'
One of the most highly anticipated games on the SEC docket this season will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Jordan-Hare Stadium when the Auburn Tigers host the Georgia Bulldogs.
Not only will the game be another chapter in "The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry," but the game will also be played at night for the first time since 2014. Jordan-Hare Stadium, especially during night games, is one of the most electrifying atmospheres in college football, which is why some are putting the defending SEC champions on upset alert ahead of their trip to the Plains.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was asked about the upcoming game and to describe the atmosphere at Auburn's home stadium. Smart jokingly responded with "you want me to pump up Jordan-Hare?" before giving the atmosphere a ton of credit.
'It's already one of the iconic places to play college football,' Smart said via AL.com. 'Some of the greatest games in SEC history have come out of that stadium. It's one of the toughest places to play in college football because of the passion and environment that they create.'
Georgia has won eight games in a row over Auburn, but has lost several heartbreaking games inside Jordan-Hare Stadium over the last 15 years. The Bulldogs lost to Auburn, 40-17, in 2017 when they were ranked No. 1 in the country. A few other examples include the 2013 "Prayer at Jordan-Hare" game when Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall connected with wide receiver Ricardo Louis on a tipped pass within the final minute to escape an upset bid by the Bulldogs, and the 2010 game when Cam Newton led the Tigers to a 49-31 win.
Smart was also asked about the possibility of the SEC switching to a nine-game format, which could affect the annual meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs. Smart says that the annual rivalry game is one that he would hate to lose due to the tradition of the game, which has been played 129 times.
'That's a tradition I love,' Smart said. "I grew up in southwest Georgia where it was easier to get to Auburn than it was Georgia from where I lived. So, I respect that rivalry, but they're all big games."
Check back throughout SEC football media days for Auburn-related news as the event continues. Check out the latest from SEC media days here.
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
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