Not a very relevant comparison. The debates started in May of 2011, so there had been several by August 11. Perry got into the race late and surged to the top of he polls before he even joined the debates. As soon as he joined the debates, he began to tank.
Perry in 2011 was like Fred in 2007. Both were mostly popular and in the lead before they even entered the race. The voters have seen quite a bit of Trump and most all of the candidates this year.
It’s good to take a look back for a bit of perspective. I see a lot more contrasts than similarities. Perry imploded, in part by not being particularly adept at thinking on his feet and having gotten near the top, he went on defense.
I do not see Trump going on the defensive; he will be in attack mode, and either it wins or it will be the greatest Banzai charge in American political history.