The Akron Zips entered Saturday night’s MAC contest against the Ball State Cardinals as 20-point underdogs. And it appeared Akron was about to take the lead with under two minutes remaining, until (literally) fumbling the game away seconds later.
Trailing 31-25 on 3rd-and-7 at the Ball State 11-yard line, Akron quarterback Zach Gibson ran for what was at the very least going to be a first down for the Zips, but he proceeded to fumble the ball around the one-yard line. The ball went into the end zone and was recovered by Ball State in the end zone for a touchback.
Ball State then ran out the clock on three plays to escape with a victory.
Here’s a look at the fumble that essentially decided the game:
That’s painful, and it’s a really tough way for Gibson’s night to end. The redshirt freshman quarterback was otherwise terrific on the night, completing 24-of-31 passes for 331 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Better days are ahead for Akron (2-7) if Gibson keeps playing anything like that.
Ball State led 28-10 through three quarters, so Akron almost pulled off an incredible comeback (and again, while being huge underdogs to begin with).
The Cardinals improves to 5-4 on the season and 3-2 in MAC play.
[Photo Credit: CBS Sports Network]