UPDATE: Stanford University faces a critical challenge ahead of their match against No. 9 Miami this Saturday at 4 p.m. as starting quarterback Ben Gulbranson is sidelined with a knee injury. Redshirt freshman Elijah Brown is poised to make his first start, heightening the stakes for the Cardinal as they enter the game as 30.5-point underdogs.
Gulbranson suffered his injury during Stanford’s narrow 20-13 victory over Florida State last weekend. After being sacked in the second quarter, he was assisted off the field, raising immediate concerns about his availability. Brown stepped in during the game, completing 6 of 12 passes for 71 yards and leading a crucial 94-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter.
“I think just keeping a level head and staying the course is key,” Brown said. He emphasized the importance of drawing on Gulbranson’s experience: “I had a lot of help over the week, just picking Ben’s brain on what kind of looks we’re getting.”
However, the status of Gulbranson remains unclear as interim coach Frank Reich did not provide an update on his condition during Monday’s press conference. “You know, if I have something, I’m not afraid to give it to you guys,” Reich stated. “But as of right now, I’m really not prepared with anything.”
As Stanford prepares for the formidable Miami defense, which allows the fewest points in the ACC at an average of 15.3 points per game, the stakes could not be higher. The Hurricanes, despite a recent loss to Louisville, boast impressive victories against teams like Notre Dame and Florida.
Brown’s previous experience includes one start last season, where he completed 16 of 32 passes for 153 yards in a challenging game against SMU. Reflecting on that experience, he noted, “Obviously, last year didn’t go our way, but you just have to keep moving forward, keep playing the next play, and stay the course.”
As kickoff approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Stanford adapts to this sudden shift in their quarterback lineup. With emotions running high and the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Brown as he leads the Cardinal into what is expected to be their toughest match of the season.
For Stanford, this game is not just a test of skill but a battle of resilience. The outcome could significantly impact their season trajectory and set the tone for their future matchups.
Stay tuned for live updates as more information emerges leading up to this critical game.
