[mutoo1]

I think we all agree that the OL and receivers Stanford has definitely puts severe constraints on the running game and the QB's ability to execute the passing game while remaining upright. I admit I was surprised that there has been a definite change in QB1. Based on the press conference statements and (perhaps even more) the tone of the Reich's comments it isn't just letting Brown start a game. That can be done without a definitive change of QB1 taking place. It can be that having the QB1 watch the game from the sidelines and getting his head right is the goal of starting a different player. Based on the comments, this is not a one-time thing but a full on change.
 
It was pretty clear in the Pitt game that Gulbranson was late on several throws and was not putting the ball in a place that his receiver could catch it but the defender could not. Normally that is why you put an experienced QB out there. He won't be a turnover machine and will put the ball where it needs to be. Gulbranson has demonstrated he can put the ball "on the money" and can executed impromptu plays (like the long pass to 86) well if he has the time. In the last two games, he has been off target a lot more and is throwing passes he shouldn't. Gulbranson's pocket presence has been poor all along. He doesn't anticipate the rush and adjust immediately. While IMO he has improved a little in this area, it also has led to more ill-advised throws. We don't know what the personnel dynamic was between the coaches and players involved, but the coaches apparently decided that wasn't "fixable" at this point.
 
The staff apparently has decided that Brown is now a better choice. It may be simply that he isn't shell-shocked and Gulbranson is. It may also be that his somewhat better mobility is considered vital given the lack of a run game and a porous OL. Brown is an accurate passer. He may not be as good with the long pass (I have no basis to know) as one would like but given our pass protection that probably does not matter. We are all hoping for the best. Three weeks ago IMO many of us fans thought that the UNC and Kal games were winnable. The decision to change QB1 indicates the coaching staff felt that situation slipping away. Let's hope that Brown can provide the impetus necessary to fix that.

it could also be as simple as bg is injured so there's no choice.

[mutoo1]

I think we all agree that the OL and receivers Stanford has definitely puts severe constraints on the running game and the QB's ability to execute the passing game while remaining upright. I admit I was surprised that there has been a definite change in QB1. Based on the press conference statements and (perhaps even more) the tone of the Reich's comments it isn't just letting Brown start a game. That can be done without a definitive change of QB1 taking place. It can be that having the QB1 watch the game from the sidelines and getting his head right is the goal of starting a different player. Based on the comments, this is not a one-time thing but a full on change.
 
It was pretty clear in the Pitt game that Gulbranson was late on several throws and was not putting the ball in a place that his receiver could catch it but the defender could not. Normally that is why you put an experienced QB out there. He won't be a turnover machine and will put the ball where it needs to be. Gulbranson has demonstrated he can put the ball "on the money" and can executed impromptu plays (like the long pass to 86) well if he has the time. In the last two games, he has been off target a lot more and is throwing passes he shouldn't. Gulbranson's pocket presence has been poor all along. He doesn't anticipate the rush and adjust immediately. While IMO he has improved a little in this area, it also has led to more ill-advised throws. We don't know what the personnel dynamic was between the coaches and players involved, but the coaches apparently decided that wasn't "fixable" at this point.
 
The staff apparently has decided that Brown is now a better choice. It may be simply that he isn't shell-shocked and Gulbranson is. It may also be that his somewhat better mobility is considered vital given the lack of a run game and a porous OL. Brown is an accurate passer. He may not be as good with the long pass (I have no basis to know) as one would like but given our pass protection that probably does not matter. We are all hoping for the best. Three weeks ago IMO many of us fans thought that the UNC and Kal games were winnable. The decision to change QB1 indicates the coaching staff felt that situation slipping away. Let's hope that Brown can provide the impetus necessary to fix that.

it could also be as simple as bg is injured so there's no choice.