It started as a goofy season-ticket flex and it's turning into an actual credential. Akron's viral "Offensive Coordinator of the Game" promotion — which lets a season-ticket holder work with head coach Joe Moorhead to script the Zips' opening drive of their home opener against Robert Morris on September 12 — narrowed its field, and Big Cat made the cut.
Pardon My Take dropped the news that Big Cat is a top-10 finalist to call plays on Akron's opening drive.
This whole thing has been an inside joke building for weeks. Big Cat has been teasing a mystery call named "Shark Wheel" without ever explaining what it is, insisting he'll keep the play a secret no matter what. Now that he's actually a real finalist for the job, the bit has stakes.
Akron's promotion has been a genuine phenomenon since the school announced it on August 4, reportedly pulling in tens of millions of views and selling out suite inventory for the first time in program history. Big Cat originally bought into it with 8 season tickets for $600, according to reporting on the promo's celebrity buyers, joining names like Bobby Bones and Dan Dakich who also bought in for a shot at the honor.
But being named a finalist apparently changed the math. Big Cat is no longer treating this like a bit he can walk away from — he's doubled and then some on his original buy-in, and he's very clear about why.
Yes. I don’t care. I ended up buying 18 season tickets. I want to see shark wheel right in Robert Morris’s face
"I ended up buying 18 season tickets. I want to see shark wheel right in Robert Morris's face," Big Cat wrote, making no attempt to hide that this has gone from fun promo to personal mission. Whether Shark Wheel is a real call or just a running gag designed to torment a MAC opponent, we'll find out September 12 at InfoCision Stadium — assuming the finalist field breaks his way.