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]

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.