The true freshman snagged a pair of key interceptions
Minnesota true freshman defensive back Koi Perich has been named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week after recording two tackles and a pair of key interceptions in the Golden Gophers’ 21-17 come-from-behind win over UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
These two were takeaway machines in Week 7
@ifs #PlayerOfTheWeek pic.twitter.com/uQteYTCS2i
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 14, 2024
He shares the honor with Iowa defensive lineman Aaron Graves.
Perich’s diving third quarter interception against the Bruins set up a Minnesota touchdown drive that would give them a 14-10 lead, and his interception near the end zone in the closing seconds of the game sealed the victory for the Gophers.
He now holds the program’s single-season record for interceptions by a freshman.
Perich joins redshirt freshman defensive back Kerry Brown as the only Minnesota players to receive a weekly honor from the Big Ten this season.