Marty Whims II, a longtime season-ticket holder and Akron grad, lived out his dream as the Zips’ “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” on Saturday, only for the opportunity to last a heartbreaking four plays. It was supposed to be a story for the ages, a fan stepping into the big time, but the gridiron had other plans.
The Hype Was Real, And Nick Saban Even Weighed In
This whole thing started with a contest that just blew up. Akron’s “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” went viral, racking up more than 23 million social media views! Seriously, the Zips saw new season-ticket holders pour in from 38 states and even as far as Germany. Suites at InfoCision Stadium sold out for the first time since it opened way back in 2009. We’re talking about names like Jon Gruden, Pat McAfee, and Dan “Big Cat” Katz all jumping on board as new season-ticket holders. Whims earned his shot by being a season-ticket holder himself, with every ticket counting as an entry and extra entries for referrals. Before game day, Whims met up with Akron head coach Joe Moorhead to dive into strategy and game film, even scripting out twenty plays. And get this: Nick Saban, who knows a thing or two about the Mid-American Conference, gave Whims some pre-game advice. Saban told him to get the play in fast, “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.” That’s legendary advice right there!
Four Plays, One Fumble, And A Flea Flicker Dream Doused
Whims started strong, calling plays as Akron moved the ball on their first possession against Robert Morris. He was actually staying ahead of the sticks, just like Saban said, until right guard Nate Hampton got hit with a false start penalty, pushing them back to third-and-6. Then came the gut punch. Wide receiver Marcel Williams made a great catch, getting the necessary yards for a first down, only to fumble the ball at the Colonials’ 37-yard line. David Johnson recovered it after Tasheen Howard and Jake Lopinto forced the fumble. Just like that, the dream was over. Whims summed it up perfectly himself after his brief OC stint, saying, “We moved the ball, got some first downs. I thought we were going to get a touchdown if we didn’t fumble.” The turnover crushed his chances of trying Saban’s third piece of advice too: “Don’t get cute, but if you’re gonna get cute, throw the damn flea flicker. The fans will love it.” What an absolute heartbreaker.
Whims stayed on the sideline for a bit, soaking it all in behind Akron’s bench, but then it was back to the stands with his three sons. It’s a brutal lesson, but sometimes in this game, even with all the hype, all the prep, and all the famous advice, one play can absolutely change everything.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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