The similarities were uncanny.

A Gopher safety left his feet to make a late interception to seal an upset victory in the east end zone of Huntington Bank Stadium.

Jordan Howden did it on an “N” in the Minnesota script, beating No. 5 Penn State 31-26 in November 2019. Koi Perich got it within a yard of that, on the “E” to No. 11 Southern California 24 -17 on Saturday evening.

Both victories resulted in a maroon and gold sea of ​​humanity flowing across the field, creating memories for fans, players and coaches alike. It was the Gophers’ first home victory against a Top 25 team since beating No. 18 Wisconsin for Paul Bunyan’s Ax in 2021.

“That was awesome,” Perich said of Saturday’s subsequent celebration. The Esko, Minnesota, native got hero treatment as he was hoisted onto teammates’ shoulders. “I was sitting in the middle and I don’t know who lifted me, but I could 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 forced fumble in the fourth quarter, looked at his teammates and defensive coach Winston DeLattiboudere on the sideline.

“We work so hard so far and in the offseason just for moments like this,” Joyner said. “I told the D-line that last week, during those third-and-long moments against Michigan, I felt like I let the team down but couldn’t get the quarterback down.”

Joyner no longer had to mourn the 27-24 loss to the then-No. 12 Wolverines a week ago. On Saturday, the fifth-year senior was credited with three pressures, including another pressure that resulted in USC quarterback Miller Moss’ intentional grounder before the U took the final lead.

Quarterback Max Brosmer, who scored three rushing touchdowns and the go-ahead goal with 56 seconds left, was never part of an on-field rush during his five years at the FCS level in New Hampshire. After Perich’s pick, Brosmer took a knee to run out the final seven seconds of the upset as an eight-point underdog.

“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 that moment together. We challenge each other every day to be the best leaders we can and to finish a game like that with that team, the way we did it was absolutely incredible.

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

“Obviously the fans are nice and saying ‘good game,’” the Edina resident said. “We went to work (Saturday) and we were blessed with a win. I will always remember those moments on the field and of course after the game with the boys.”

Running back Darius Taylor had a season-high 144 yards on 25 carries. The sophomore followed the entire Minnesota game.

“Our fans were great,” Taylor said. “We stayed in it the whole game. Even when we got down, they were still rocking. It was great. Appreciate that. It keeps the team going, keeps us alive and gives us energy.”