Stanford falls 35-20 to Pittsburgh as Gulbranson struggles before being replaced

STANFORD — Ben Gulbranson threw three interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, and was eventually pulled late in the third quarter as Pittsburgh beat Stanford 35-20 Saturday afternoon at Stanford Stadium.

Pitt (7-2, 5-1 ACC) has won five in a row and has averaged more than 40 points a game since freshman Mason Hentschel took over as the starting quarterback.

Expecting a shootout, Stanford went for it on fourth-and-1 from its own 37 on the opening drive. Cole Tabb was stuffed for a 2-yard loss, and Pitt scored four plays later to go up 7-0.

Stanford (3-6, 2-4), which had won four straight at home dating back to last season, still took a first-quarter lead.

Jashiah Galvan forced a fumble by Heintschel that was recovered by Ernest Cooper at the Pitt 36, and a Pitt defender tipped a Gulbranson pass into the arms of receiver CJ Williams, who scored a 35-yard TD to make it 10-7.

That play worked out for Stanford, but it was a sign of things to come. Gulbranson was intercepted in the second quarter throwing into double coverage, and then on the next possession after forcing a pass to Roush.

Finally, Pitt went up 35-13 midway through the third quarter when Shawn Lee Jr. stepped in front of an out route by Caden High and scored on a 30-yard interception return.

Gulbranson hasn’t looked good since injuring his knee two weeks ago. He was 17 of 30 passing for 228 yards after going 9 of 21 for 50 yards and two interceptions last week at Miami.

He wasn’t helped by a complete lack of a running game. Stanford running backs had 18 carries for 28 yards until the final minutes. Backup Elijah Brown replaced Gulbranson with one minute left in the third quarter and threw a touchdown pass to Williams with 18 seconds left.

The Cardinal plays its last road game next Saturday against North Carolina before finishing up at home against Cal and Notre Dame.