The Gophers needed one of its best players to step up in a big moments on homecoming against Purdue on Saturday.

They required Koi Perich to make one of the splash plays that the Esko, Minn., native made almost routine during his all-Big Ten freshman season a year ago.

The sophomore did it with a fourth-quarter interception he returned 27 yards for a touchdown to give the U a 27-20 win on homecoming at Huntington Bank Stadium.

After five picks last season, Perich’s first one of the year was also his first career touchdown. The game-changing play also has slice of redemption for Perich, who had to overcome a muffed punt that loomed large in the 27-14 loss to California on Sept. 13.

The Gophers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) battled back to win in front of more than 200 former players, including the

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