FSU's defense cannot allow QB Ben Gulbranson to look like prime Dan Marino

Ben Gulbranson cannot look like a Heisman Trophy finalist against the Seminoles.
Sep 27, 2025; Stanford, California, USA;  Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) throws the ball during the first quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Sep 27, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) throws the ball during the first quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

FSU FOOTBALL DISAPPOINTS

Florida State football was defeated by the Pittsburgh Panthers by a score of 34-31 on Saturday afternoon in Doak Campbell Stadium. The Seminoles are now on a three-game losing streak, and the fan base is very frustrated.

Florida State is now heading to the West Coast to take on the Stanford Cardinal. The Seminole faithful are worried that this contest can be a competitive matchup.

However, the Seminoles need to bounce back quickly in an awkward 10:30 PM EST kickoff in Stanford, California.

STANFORD OFFENSE

Stanford's offense is nothing to brag about this season, as they have an impressive 18.8 points per game (kidding with the "impressive" word choice). The university might have former quarterback Andrew Luck as its General Manager, but it doesn't mean that he is lining up under center.

Quarterback Ben Gulbranson completed 116 of his 196 passes for 1,445 passing yards, with six touchdowns and four interceptions. This doesn't look too impressive, but he has had five touchdowns and one interception in the last three games versus Virginia, San Jose State, and SMU.

The Cardinal is not a very good team, as the program is trying to find stability in itself. With that said, Florida State has been struggling with inconsistencies over the past couple of weeks. Let's face it, defensive coordinator Tony White and his unit have to find some sense of momentum this weekend.

The fan base thought that true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel had 400 total yards of offense, which is something that fans didn't think he was capable of as the Panthers capped off the upset.

Florida State cannot allow Ben Gulbranson to get any sort of confidence and put this game out of reach early, and put in the reserves for the second half.

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