Akron Guest Play-caller Marty Whims Ii's Series Cut Short By Fumble

Akron football and its guest offensive coordinator looked like it was off to a solid start in its opening drive against Robert Morris on Saturday, Sept. 12. Then the Zips proved why it's harder calling plays from the sideline than the sofa.

Akron made headlines earlier this offseason when it announced an "Offensive Coordinator of the Game" promotion allowing a season ticket holder the chance to help script the Zips' opening drive in their home opener against Robert Morris. Many college football personalities subsequently bought season tickets for the lottery chance, which was won by Marty Whims II, a real estate CFO from Cleveland.

Marty Whims reporting for duty for the OC of the Game presented by @Arbys steak nuggets‼#GoZips???? pic.twitter.com/mdycDR1rEx

— Akron Football (@ZipsFB) September 12, 2026

REQUIRED READING: Akron 'Offensive Coordinator of Game' meets with Zips coach. Game day next

Akron and Whims' play calls started off their opening drive with a 12-yard run — so far, so good. After a 2-yard pass and a 7-yard run, Marcel Williams then caught a short pass in the middle of the field and fumbled, with Robert Morris recovering.

Whims' offensive play calling career ended after a four-play, 23-yard drive that lasted 1:35 of game clock. The Zips then scored on their next possession, going 86 yards in nine plays to take a 7-0 lead.

It was still quite the experience for the civilian-turned college football coach for four plays.

"It was a thrill of a lifetime, a dream come true," he said on Akron's in-house radio crew, per the Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Here's a look at how Akron's scripted offensive possession went with the accounting graduate from the school:

How did Akron's offensive drive with guest offensive coordinator go?

Akron's guest offensive drive went well, until it didn't. Here's a play-by-play breakdown, courtesy of the Akron Beacon Journal:

• First-and-10 at the Akron 40-yard line: Running back Jordan Gant rushed for 12 yards and a first down.
• First-and-10 at the Robert Morris 48: Quarterback Cibastian Broughton completed a bubble screen to wide receiver Kyan Mason for 2 yards.
• Second-and-8 at the Robert Morris 46: Gant rushed for 7 yards.
• Third-and-1 at the Robert Morris 39: Akron right guard Nate Hampton committed a false start penalty for a 5-yard loss.
• Third-and-6 at the Robert Morris 44: Broughton completed a pass to receiver Marcel Williams for 7 yards, but Williams fumbled as defensive back Tahseen Howard and linebacker Jake Lopinto converged on him for the tackle. Defensive lineman David Johnson recovered the fumble at the Robert Morris 37 with 11:12 left in the first quarter. The play stood after a replay review.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Akron guest play-caller Marty Whims II's series cut short by fumble