Stanford Faces Tough Challenge at No. 9 Miami Without Starting QB

Stanford University may enter its most challenging game of the season against the No. 9 Miami Hurricanes without its starting quarterback, Ben Gulbranson. Following an injury sustained during the team’s recent victory over Florida State, the redshirt freshman Elijah Brown may take the lead in this critical matchup scheduled for Saturday at 16:00 UTC on ESPN.

Gulbranson, who won the starting position over Brown during fall camp, suffered a knee injury after being sacked in the second quarter of the 20-13 win against Florida State. He required assistance to leave the field. Brown, who had not seen any action this season until then, completed 6 of 12 passes for 71 yards in his debut, helping Stanford secure a surprising victory.

“I think just keeping a level head and staying the course is the key to that win,” Brown said after the game. “I had a lot of help over the week, just picking Ben’s brain on what kind of looks we’re getting and where I should go with the ball.”

With Brown’s potential start against Miami, the team faces a formidable opponent known for its aggressive defense, which currently holds the record for allowing the fewest points in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) at an average of 15.3 points per game. The Hurricanes recently suffered a loss to Louisville but have impressive wins against teams like Notre Dame, Florida, and South Florida.

At a press conference held on Monday, interim head coach Frank Reich did not provide an update on Gulbranson’s injury status. “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.”

Brown, who previously started one game last season, is determined to improve on his past performance. In that game, he completed 16 of 32 passes for 153 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a loss to Southern Methodist University (SMU). Reflecting on that experience, he said, “Obviously, last year when I got in, it didn’t really go our way. But you just have to keep moving forward, keep playing the next play, and stay the course.”

Gulbranson’s performance prior to his injury had shown promise; he threw for 1,008 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception over three games before facing Florida State. This included a consistent ability to drive the team down the field, although he did not surpass 200 passing yards in any of his first three games after transferring from Oregon State.

As Stanford prepares for this critical encounter in Miami, the team’s ability to adapt to the potential loss of its starting quarterback will be paramount. The upcoming game promises to be a significant test for both the players and coaching staff, as they navigate the challenges presented by a top-ranked opponent.