Overview
- Marty Whims II, a season-ticket holder, helped script Akron's opening drive on Saturday, Sept. 12, which lasted four plays for 23 yards and ended when receiver Marcel Williams fumbled and Robert Morris recovered.
- Coach Joe Moorhead met with Whims before the game and limited play choices, retaining final play-calling authority rather than handing full control to the fan.
- Akron responded immediately after the turnover by driving 86 yards in nine plays to take a 7-0 lead on the next possession.
- The promotion, announced in August, went viral and led to record season-ticket and stadium-suite sales while drawing national media attention and sponsor interest.
- Akron used the stunt to energize a fan base that has not seen a winning season since 2015 and Whims called the experience a personal thrill despite the opening-drive turnover.