Stanford QB Elijah Brown Likely to Start Against No. 9 Miami

UPDATE: Stanford’s starting quarterback status is uncertain ahead of their critical matchup against No. 9 Miami on Saturday at 4 p.m. (ET) on ESPN. Redshirt freshman Elijah Brown is poised to make his first start of the season after Ben Gulbranson suffered a knee injury during last week’s thrilling 20-13 victory over Florida State.

In a surprising turn of events, Gulbranson, who had won the starting position in fall camp, was injured in the second quarter and required assistance to leave the field. Brown stepped in, showcasing composure by completing 6 of 12 passes for 71 yards and leading a crucial 94-yard touchdown drive. “I think just keeping a level head and just staying the course is the key to that win,” Brown said after the game, emphasizing teamwork in preparation.

The urgency escalates as Stanford prepares to face a fierce Miami defense that ranks first in the ACC, allowing only 15.3 points per game. Despite their recent loss to Louisville, the Hurricanes boast impressive victories over teams like Notre Dame and Florida.

Interim coach Frank Reich has not provided updates on Gulbranson’s condition, creating uncertainty for both players and fans. “You know, if I have something, I’m not afraid to give it to you guys,” Reich stated during Monday’s press conference. “But as of right now, I’m really not prepared with anything.”

Brown’s journey has been marked by resilience; he started one game last season, completing 16 of 32 passes for 153 yards but struggled with two interceptions. Reflecting on last year’s experience, he stated, “Obviously, last year when I got in, it didn’t really go our way, but you just have to keep moving forward.”

As Stanford enters this pivotal game as a 30.5-point underdog, the stakes are high. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if Brown can continue the momentum generated during his brief appearance against Florida State.

Stay tuned as this story develops and be ready for updates as game time approaches. The outcome could significantly impact both teams’ seasons and playoff aspirations.