During his first year playing, Minnesota Golden Gophers safety Koi Perich continues to create history by achieving another record with his crucial interception that secured the team’s victory against the UCLA Bruins with a score of 21-17 on Saturday evening. Perich’s fourth interception of the season on the final play of Saturday’s game broke the Gophers’ freshman record for most interceptions in a single season.
Given that the program has existed since 1882, this achievement stands out in a season filled with notable successes for the Minnesota native.
Perich saw his most playing time in his career with 53 snaps against UCLA due to starting safety Kerry Brown being ruled out before the game began. Based on Pro Football Focus, his defensive performance was rated at 68.6 overall, 74.7 for run defense, 68.3 for pass rush, 62.6 for coverage, and 52.7 for tackling. A highly rated player from Esko, Minn., Perich turned down offers from top schools Ohio State and Florida State to remain in his home state with the Gophers. Perich has made nine tackles and a forced fumble in seven games, excelling in coverage while also making crucial interceptions in wins over USC and the Bruins. Having only five games left, Perich has a great opportunity to increase his record starting with the Gophers’ game against Maryland on Oct. 26. Connected: Gophers escape close game against UCLA, secure victory with final drive touchdown.
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