The Aggies opened 2025 Mountain West Conference play with a HUGE 49-30 win over the Air Force Academy. Now it’s time to hand out this week’s game balls.
My offensive game ball will go to senior quarterback Bryson Barnes. Barnes was electric Saturday night, completing 17 of his 22 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns, while also toting the rock 15 times for 44 yards and three more touchdowns. Barnes showed off his sound decision-making skills in the run/pass option game and completed passes to seven different receivers.
I’m also going to add a second offensive game ball this week, and this one will go to junior wide receiver Braden Pegan. There were career highs all over the board for Pegan Saturday night, hauling career highs in receptions with 7, receiving yards with 147, and touchdowns with two. Heading into the season, I predicted Pegan to be our offensive breakout player of the year. So far, so good.
My defensive game ball for the third straight week will go to senior inside linebacker John Miller. Miller pulled down 4 solo tackles and was in on 12 assisted tackles to post a career high 16 total tackles on the night. Miller also logged 1.0 tackles-for-loss and 1.0 sack. Miller currently leads the Mountain West in total tackles.
I’m also going to add a second defensive game ball this week, and this one will go to sophomore, more EDGE rush defensive end Will Holmes. Holmes also posted career highs in tackles, racking up 2 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles for a total of 13 tackles. Holmes also added 1.0 tackles-for-loss, a fumble recovery, and a quarterback hurry.
My special teams game ball will go to sophomore punter Landon Rehkow. Rehkow booted the ball four times for an average of 41.5 yards per punt, with a long of 50 yards and two punts downed inside the 20-yard line.