Imagine your team is leading at halftime, but your star quarterback is suddenly sidelined with an injury. That's the harsh reality Stanford fans are facing right now. Ben Gulbranson, the Cardinal's starting quarterback, is out for the second half against Florida State due to a knee injury. But here's where it gets intriguing: this isn't just a blow to Stanford's immediate game plan; it's a pivotal moment for backup quarterback Elijah Brown, a highly touted recruit who's about to step into the spotlight.
Head coach Frank Reich confirmed Gulbranson's absence to ESPN, stating, “He’ll be down in the second half. It’s a knee, so we’ll see the severity of it.” While Gulbranson’s injury is a setback—he completed 6 of 13 passes for 90 yards, a touchdown, and an interception—the focus now shifts to Brown, a second-year player who was a major recruiting victory for Stanford. Reich expressed confidence in the young quarterback, saying, “Elijah is a very mature young man, he’s made for this moment. He’s got a lot of football under his belt. We’ve got a lot of confidence in him.”
And this is the part most people miss: Brown isn't just any backup. He was a four-star prospect out of Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei, ranked No. 256 overall in the 2024 recruiting cycle by the Rivals Industry Ranking. Last season, he saw action in three games, completing 58.3% of his passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns, even earning a start against Wake Forest. This isn’t his first rodeo, and Stanford is banking on his poise to carry them through.
But here's the controversial question: Can Brown not only fill Gulbranson's shoes but also elevate Stanford's offense in the process? Some argue that his limited college experience might hinder his performance, while others believe his high school pedigree and Reich's endorsement are enough to prove he’s ready. What do you think? Is Brown the answer for Stanford, or is this injury a season-altering setback?
As for Gulbranson, the severity of his knee injury remains unclear, and Stanford is anxiously awaiting updates. Fans are hoping it’s not a long-term issue, as the Oregon State transfer has been a steady presence for the Cardinal. With upcoming games against Miami, Notre Dame, and a trip to face Bill Belichick’s team in Chapel Hill, Stanford needs all hands on deck.
This injury not only reshapes Stanford’s immediate strategy but also raises questions about the team’s long-term prospects. Will Brown seize this opportunity, or will Gulbranson’s absence prove too costly? One thing’s for sure: the Cardinal’s season just got a lot more interesting. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Brown can lead Stanford to victory, or is this injury a game-changer?
