6 October 2024
The similarities were uncanny.
A Gopher safety left his feet to make a late interception to seal an upset win in the East end zone of Huntington Bank Stadium.
Jordan Howden did it on an “N” in the Minnesota script to beat No. 5 Penn State 31-26 in November 2019. Koi Perich achieved it a feet away from that, on the “E” to top No. 11 Southern California 24-17 on Saturday night.
Both win-clinching plays resulted in a maroon and gold sea of humanity flooding onto the field turf, creating memories for fans, players and coaches alike. It was the Gophers’ first home win against a Top 25 team since knocking off No. 18 Wisconsin for Paul Bunyan’s Axe in 2021.
“That was awesome,” Perich said about Saturday’s ensuing celebration. The Esko, Minn., native received hero treatment in being hoisted onto teammates’ shoulders. “I was in the middle and I don’t know who lifted me up, but I could just see everybody up on the field at the same time,” he added. “That was one of the coolest moments of my life.”
Jah Joyner, who had a crucial sack and forced fumble in the fourth quarter, watched his teammates and defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere on the sideline.
“We work so hard up to this point and in the offseason just for moments like that,” Joyner said. “I told the D-line that last week, those third and longs in passing moments against Michigan, I felt like I let the team down, just not getting the quarterback down.”
Joyner didn’t need to lament any longer the 27-24 loss to then-No. 12 Wolverines a week ago. On Saturday, the fifth-year senior was credited with three pressures, including another one that resulted in USC quarterback Miller Moss’ intentional grounding before the U took the final lead.
Quarterback Max Brosmer, who tallied three rushing touchdowns and the go-ahead score with 56 seconds remaining, was never a part of a field storming during his five years at FCS-level New Hampshire. After Perich’s pick, Brosmer took a knee to run out the final seven seconds of the upset as an eight-point underdog.
“I had no idea what to do,” Brosmer said. “First guy that came up to me was (right tackle Quinn Carroll). That was cool. We shared that moment together. We challenge each other every single day to be the best leaders we can and to finish a game that way with that team, the way we did was absolutely incredible.”
Carroll — on top of a big hug for his QB — said he will remember interactions with fans on the field.
“Obviously the fans are fun and are coming up and saying ‘good game,’ ” the Edina native said. “We went to work (Saturday) and we were blessed to have a win. Will always remember those moments on the field and obviously after the game with the guys.”
Running back Darius Taylor had a season-high 144 yards on 25 carries. The sophomore paced Minnesota throughout the game.
“Our fans were great,” Taylor said. “We stayed in it the whole game. Even when we were down, they were still rocking. It was great. Appreciate that. It keeps the team going, keeps us alive, keeps us energized.”
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