PFF grades reveal studs and duds from Gophers' win over Illinois

Redshirt freshman Kerry Brown was a stud while true freshman Koi Perich was a dud.

Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) celebrates a stop against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The Gophers improved to 6-3 and ran their win streak to four with a 25-17 road victory against No. 24 Illinois on Saturday. Let's go through some of the grades from Pro Football Focus.

One thing that jumped out was the absence of highlight-reel plays from freshman safety Koi Perich. As good as Perich has been this season, he was the opposite against the Illini and he wound up with the second-lowest overall grade on the team and played 33 snaps compared to 53 and 64, respectively, for fellow safeties Kerry Brown and Aidan Gousby.

Quarterback Max Brosmer had a decent overall grade (77.2) but he was a bit inaccurate, completing 22 of 37 attempts for 213 yards and a touchdown. He was 21 of 28 when kept clean but a rough 1 for 9 when under pressure.

The five best offensive grades: right tackle Quinn Carroll (84.4), center Greg Johnson (78.3), quarterback Max Brosmer (77.2), running back Darius Taylor (76.7) and right guard Ashton Beers (76.5).

The five best defensive grades: safety Kerry Brown (75.6), cornerback Jaionte McMillan (69.0), linebacker Cody Lindenberg (68.3), safety Aidan Gousby (66.9), edge rusher Danny Striggow (66.9).

The five lowest overall grades: wide receiver Le'Meke Brockington (46.6), safety Koi Perich (48.2), cornerback Justin Walley (51.4), defensive tackle Jalen Logan-Redding (53.0)/tight end Nick Kallerup (53.0), edge rusher Jah Joyner (54.4)