UPDATE: Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson has turned his season around, leading the Cardinal to a thrilling 30-29 victory over San Jose State in the Bill Walsh Legacy Game on September 27, 2024. This win, marked by a decisive last-minute touchdown, comes as Gulbranson throws for an impressive 444 yards, the third-most in Stanford history.
Just weeks after a dismal performance in his first two games, where he managed only 251 yards with three interceptions, Gulbranson demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill. His performance included two touchdowns and no interceptions, culminating in an 80-yard touchdown drive that sealed the victory with just 19 seconds left on the clock.
Interim coach Frank Reich praised Gulbranson’s growth throughout the season, stating, “Every game he’s gotten better and better. Nothing flusters him. He’s got great poise and works really hard.” Gulbranson’s emergence is crucial for Stanford (2-3, 1-1 ACC) as they head into a critical stretch of their ACC schedule, starting with a game against SMU on October 11.
The game reached its peak in the final minutes when Gulbranson faced a daunting fourth-and-10 situation from his own 41-yard line. With the clock ticking down, he connected with Caden High for a pivotal 34-yard completion that shifted momentum back to Stanford. “Huge play,” said Reich. “Ben just had all the poise in the world to sit in there, to trust his guys.”
Following High’s catch, Gulbranson completed additional passes to CJ Williams, setting the stage for Sedrick Irvin to score the winning touchdown. This victory not only avenges last year’s loss to San Jose State but also fuels Stanford’s confidence as they prepare for tougher opponents like Miami and Florida State.
In the last three games, Gulbranson has thrown for a staggering 916 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions. His connection with Williams, who had 12 catches for 138 yards, has been particularly notable, showcasing the growing chemistry within the offense.
Despite Gulbranson’s standout performance, San Jose State’s quarterback Walker Eget outshone him statistically with 481 yards and three touchdowns. However, critical defensive plays, including a vital pass breakup by safety Jay Green, ensured Stanford’s victory in the closing moments.
With this win, Stanford has secured its first three-game home winning streak since 2018, providing a much-needed boost to the program amidst a challenging season. Coach Reich emphasized the importance of establishing a competitive identity for the team, stating, “We’re showing that we’re going to be tough to beat at home.”
As the Cardinal prepare for their next matchup, fans are optimistic about the team’s potential moving forward. Stay tuned for updates as Stanford looks to build on this momentum in the coming weeks.
