Auburn Tigers News: AU hires Jared Benko, Eugene Asante on Diego Pavia rematch

In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Georgia Southern Athletic Director Jared Benko has been hired as the Tigers' executive deputy AD, and Eugene Asante reflects on the upcoming rematch with Diego Pavia

This morning, Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger announced on Twitter that Georgia Southern AD Jared Benko will be the new executive deputy AD on the Plains. From 2015-16, Benko worked at Auburn as the assistant athletic director for finance, handling financial reporting and budgeting. He has been at Georgia Southern since 2020.

Between working at Auburn and Georgia Southern, Benko spent time at Mississippi State working with current Auburn AD John Cohen, and the pair will now reunite on the Plains.

"My family and I are thrilled to return to Auburn," Benko said in a statement, per Auburn Undercover. "Statesboro and Georgia Southern have been incredibly special to us, and we are grateful for the four and a half wonderful years we have spent there. The chance to work alongside John Cohen and his team during such a pivotal time in college athletics is an amazing opportunity and I cannot wait to come back to The Plains. Dr. Roberts and John have an inspiring vision for Auburn University, and I am excited to join a talented staff and be part of this remarkable community. War Eagle!"

Eugene Asante reflects on the upcoming rematch with Diego Pavia

Last year, one of the most disappointing losses for the Auburn football team was the alleged cupcake scheduled right before the Iron Bowl. The Tigers faced off against New Mexico State in Jordan-Hare in late November and were soundly beaten 31-10 by Jerry Kill and Diego Pavia.

This year, the pair both made the move to Vanderbilt, and they will be returning to JHS this Saturday. For Auburn football players who were part of last year's game, including linebacker Eugene Asante, it's a game that they are highly motivated to win.

"I'm excited he's having all the success he's having this season," Eugene Asante said, per Auburn Undercover. "I'm excited that Vanderbilt has had the success they've had this season. They've got a great team and a great squad. But I don't forget. And I'm going to make sure this team don't forget."

The Tigers and the Commodores will kick off from Auburn on Saturday at 11:45 a.m.