Akron 'OC For A Day' contest winner sees drive end in fumble
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Akron season-ticket holder Marty Whims won a viral contest giving him the chance to call the Zips' first offensive drive, gaining new appreciation for the complexity of play-calling and execution.
- The contest, which garnered over a billion social media impressions, boosted season ticket sales and attracted sponsorship from Arby's, helping Akron increase fan engagement.
- Whims prepared extensively with head coach Joe Moorhead, appeared on ESPN's "College GameDay," and received advice from Nick Saban before leading the team onto the field.
- Despite a promising start, the drive ended with a fumble, but Whims described the experience as a memorable "15 minutes of fame" and a lifelong thrill.
- The event highlighted the challenges of coaching and brought positive attention to Akron's football program, which typically averages around 6,000 fans per game.
