The Gophers needed one of their best players to step up in a big moment on homecoming against Purdue on Saturday night.

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 that he returned 27 yards for a touchdown to give Minnesota a 27-20 win 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 a 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

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