Akron Contest Winner’s Four-Play OC Stint Ends With Opening Fumble

What began as a viral contest ended in heartbreak for Marty Whims II, who learned that calling plays in real life is far more challenging than it looks in video games.

Whims, a longtime Akron season-ticket holder and university alumnus, experienced the rewards and pressures of serving as the Zips’ offensive coordinator for Saturday’s game as part of the program’s “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” contest.

His dream opportunity lasted only four offensive plays.

Akron was advancing the ball during its opening possession against Robert Morris when wide receiver Marcel Williams fumbled at the Colonials’ 37-yard line. David Johnson recovered the ball after Tasheen Howard and Jake Lopinto forced the turnover.

“We moved the ball, got some first downs. I thought we were going to get a touchdown if we didn’t fumble,” Whims said shortly after his stint ended.

Only season-ticket and suite holders qualified for the contest, and Akron sold out its suites for the first time since InfoCision Stadium opened in 2009.

Since the contest was announced Aug. 4, the campaign has drawn more than 23 million social media views and attracted a surge of new season-ticket buyers. Fans from 38 states and as far away as Germany joined the Zips’ season-ticket list, including Jon Gruden, Pat McAfee and Dan “Big Cat” Katz.

Each season or suite ticket counted as one entry, with four tickets providing four entries. Season-ticket holders also earned additional entries for every new buyer they referred.

Whims met with Akron head coach Joe Moorhead on Friday to discuss strategy, review game film and prepare a script of 20 plays.

Nick Saban—whose Mid-American Conference résumé includes graduating from rival Kent State and coaching at Toledo—advised Whims to move quickly through the playbook. “Stay ahead of the sticks and run the ball. All the fans are going to want you to throw it. Run the ball. You won’t get criticized as much,” Saban told him.

Whims followed that approach until a false start by right guard Nate Hampton pushed Akron into third-and-6.

Williams made the catch needed for the first down but turned the ball over moments later.

The turnover prevented Whims from trying Saban’s third suggestion: “Don’t get cute, but if you’re gonna get cute, throw the damn flea flicker. The fans will love it.”

Whims remained on the sideline behind Akron’s bench before returning to the stands to watch the rest of the game with his three sons.

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