Five players share their experiences in the 24:17 win against No. 11 USC – Twin Cities

The similarities were uncanny.

A Gopher safety left his feet to make a late interception, sealing an upset win in the East End Zone at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Jordan Howden, with an “N” in the Minnesota script, managed to beat No. 5 Penn State 31-26 in November 2019. Koi Perich made it a yard away with the “E” and moved to the top of No. 11 Southern California with 24 -5 p.m. Saturday night.

Both victorious games resulted in a maroon and gold sea of ​​people flooding the pitch, creating memories for fans, players and coaches alike. It was the Gophers' first home win against a top-25 team since beating No. 18 Wisconsin for Paul Bunyan's Ax in 2021.

“That was great,” said Perich about the celebration that followed on Saturday. The Esko, Minnesota native was hoisted from behind onto his teammates' shoulders and treated like a hero. “I was in the middle and I don't know who picked me up, but I could just see everyone 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 a forced fumble in the fourth quarter, watched his teammates and defensive coach Winston DeLattiboudere on the sidelines.

“We work so hard up until now and in the offseason just for moments like this,” Joyner said. “I told the D-line that last week, in those third-and-go moments in the passing game against Michigan, I felt like I let the team down, except I didn't let the quarterback down.”

Joyner no longer had to mourn the 27:24 defeat against the then number 1 team. 12 Wolverines a week ago. On Saturday, the fifth-year senior was credited with three pressures, including another that resulted in USC quarterback Miller Moss being intentionally down before the U's took the lead for good.

Quarterback Max Brosmer, who scored three rushing touchdowns with 56 seconds left to score the go-ahead score, was never part of a field rushing effort during his five years at FCS-level New Hampshire. After Perich's selection, Brosmer knelt down and ran through the last seven seconds of the surprise as an underdog with an eight-point lead.

“I had no idea what to do,” Brosmer said. “The first guy that came up to me was (right tackle Quinn Carroll). That was cool. We shared this moment together. We challenge each other every day to be the best leaders we can be, and to finish a game like that with this team was just incredible.”

Carroll said — in addition to giving his QB a warm hug — he will remember the interactions with fans on the field.

“Obviously the fans are funny and come and say, 'Good game,'” the Edina native said. “We went to work (Saturday) and were fortunate to get a win. I will always remember these moments on the field and of course after the game with the boys.”

Running back Darius Taylor rushed for a season-high 144 yards on 25 carries. The sophomore paced the entire Minnesota 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 and gives us energy.”