"The Cardinal (3-6, 2-4 ACC) is replacing sixth-year signal caller Ben Gulbranson with redshirt freshman Elijah Brown when it faces North Carolina and defensive mastermind Bill Belichick. Obviously a tough decision because Ben's done some really good things this year, interim coach Frank Reich said. And we know that some of the struggles that we've had, certainly not all on the quarterback. But we are going to make that transition and Elijah will be the starter."
"The Cardinal hopes the change will provide a jolt to an offense that is last in the ACC in scoring (17.8) and passing efficiency (120.1). Gulbranson threw for 444 yards, the third-most in a game in program history, in a comeback win over San Jose State on Sept. 27. But he injured his knee on Oct. 18 against Florida State. He's gone 26 for 51 passing for 278 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions in two games since then."
"Some of those (interceptions) are on Ben, but honestly, they're not all on Ben, Reich said. Quarterback's a complicated position. Ben's had some epic games and put us in a position where we can still achieve some of the goals that we have in front of us, with some of the wins that he's helped lead us to. So I don't want to diminish the contribution that Ben has made to this team and can continue to make to the team in a backup role."
Stanford (3-6, 2-4 ACC) will start redshirt freshman Elijah Brown at quarterback Saturday as it seeks to avoid a winless road season for the first time since 2002. The team is replacing sixth-year starter Ben Gulbranson following offensive struggles and a knee injury sustained Oct. 18. The offense ranks last in the ACC in scoring (17.8) and passing efficiency (120.1). Gulbranson has thrown 10 interceptions and produced mixed results since the injury, including 26-for-51 passing for 278 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions in two games. North Carolina's defense could pose a significant challenge.
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