Stanford Rallies to Victory Over San Jose State

Published by Andrew on September 29, 2025

Comeback Victory marks a thrilling chapter in college football as Stanford orchestrated a stunning turnaround against San Jose State on September 28, 2025. Trailing by 12 points in the fourth quarter, the Cardinal showcased resilience and skill, culminating in a nail-biting 30-29 victory.

With Sedrick Irvin scoring the decisive touchdown, fans witnessed an electrifying performance from quarterback Ben Gulbranson, who led his team on a remarkable comeback trail.

As we delve deeper into this exhilarating matchup, we’ll explore the key moments and performances that defined the game, alongside the implications for both teams moving forward.

Fourth-Quarter Comeback Thriller

Stanford Stadium buzzed with mounting tension as the Cardinal faced a daunting 12-point deficit against San Jose State.

With the score 26-14 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, the crowd sensed an impending struggle.

Yet, hope rekindled as Ben Gulbranson emerged as a spark, orchestrating a precise comeback with surgical passes.

The stadium erupted as Gulbranson connected with his receivers for two crucial touchdowns.

Facing a nail-biting fourth-and-10, he executed a gutsy play that reflected pure determination, keeping the dream alive.

As the seconds ticked away, Stanford advanced tirelessly downfield.

Sedrick Irvin captured the roar of thousands with his clutch 1-yard touchdown run, sending waves of jubilation throughout the stands as only 19 seconds remained on the clock.

The final whistle sealed a 30-29 victory, an event immortalized in the hearts of fans.

Essential game numbers tell the thrilling tale: 444-2-0, 473-3-1, 1-19.

Ben Gulbranson’s Masterclass

Ben Gulbranson orchestrated an impressive comeback for Stanford, showcasing 444 passing yards against San Jose State in a remarkable display of leadership.

As Stanford trailed in the fourth quarter, Gulbranson’s precision and decision-making came to the forefront, especially during the pivotal fourth-and-10 conversion that kept Stanford’s hopes alive.

He found Myles Libman for a crucial 14-yard touchdown after marching the team on a five-play, 75-yard drive, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.

Gulbranson’s performance was the third-most prolific passing game in Stanford history, a testament to his outstanding effectiveness, as chronicled on Mercury News and supported by detailed stats on Stanford Athletics.

His composed demeanor and strategic execution on critical downs demonstrated maturity and readiness to lead under high-pressure circumstances.

Coach praised his ‘calm command’ of the huddle and ability to lift his teammates.

San Jose State’s Missed Opportunities

San Jose State started the fourth quarter with a robust 26-14 lead against Stanford, largely attributable to their quarterback Walker Eget’s stunning performance, amassing 473 yards and three touchdowns.

His exceptional play included a series of expertly executed passes that kept the Spartan offense moving and Stanford’s defense on its heels.

However, the momentum seemed to falter—Denis Lynch’s missed 28 and 29-yard field goals loomed large, subtly eroding confidence and leaving precious points unmet on the scoreboard.

As San Jose State aimed to extend their lead, these crucial misses allowed the Cardinal to remain within striking distance.

Consequently, despite a formidable showing by Eget, Stanford capitalized on the Spartans’ missed opportunities, diminishing their advantage and fortifying the narrative of San Jose State’s ongoing struggles in power-conference road games.

SJSU has now lost 34 of their last 35 away games against such formidable opponents, significantly due to these inconsistencies.

For more insights, check out the detailed game recap.

Season Outlook and Upcoming Tests

Following their thrilling 30-29 victory against San Jose State, Stanford demonstrates resilience, reaching a 2-3 record.

This comeback positivity is crucial, as they prepare to confront fresh challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, San Jose State, stinging from a close defeat, seeks to recover in upcoming matches.

Both teams face distinct hurdles: San Jose State hosts New Mexico, aiming to fortify their resolve at home.

In contrast, Stanford is set to travel to SMU, eager to extend their victory streak on the road.

Such transitions emphasize the delicate balance of triumphs and struggles in collegiate football landscapes.

Upcoming engagements stand as pivotal tests for these teams, seeking to redefine their season narratives.

These contests not only test their preparedness but also their resilience beneath the pressure of relentless expectations, potentially reshaping the competitive momentum that each team harbors this season.

In conclusion, Stanford’s inspiring comeback victory not only highlights their potential for growth this season but also underscores the challenges faced by San Jose State on the road.