Ben Stratmann

Fourth-and-1 at midfield today. Fourth-and-2 in the fourth quarter. We got stopped both times, and Florida scored a touchdown after each one. Coach Sark, I played for Texas. I was a team captain and an All-American on the Forty Acres. I love this program, so writing this hurts. I'm only doing it because I think one thing is holding us back, and I'd rather say it to you straight than keep yelling at my TV. Please hand the play sheet to someone else. You've done a lot for this place. Two straight playoff semifinals and an SEC title game in our first year. Texas matters again because of you, and I'm grateful. I'm not calling for your job. Not even close. But look at the big moments. Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, first-and-goal at the 1, and we walked away with nothing. Ohio State again last year, fourth-and-goal from inches, we stayed in a speed package and got stuffed. You said yourself you'd probably sub if you could do it over. Last week against OU it was third-and-1 at our own 45 and we threw a little pass to the back that lost 2. Tied 24-24, two minutes left, fourth-and-2 at their 35, we sent out the kicker for a 53-yarder. Today you called the fourth-down run "not very good design." I went back through the official play-by-play. In our two losses this year we converted 4 of 11 third and fourth downs with two yards or less to go. That's not all on the line or the backs. Nobody is getting push right now. We're running for about 3.6 a carry. That's exactly why this offense needs a coach whose whole week is the offense. Your job never stops. Recruiting, the portal, NIL, a 100-plus man roster. That's a full-time job by itself. History backs this up. The last head coach to win a national title calling his own offensive plays was Jimbo Fisher, in the 2013 season. No champion in the playoff era has done it. Ryan Day gave the calls to Chip Kelly in 2024 and won it all. You won a ring at Alabama calling plays for Coach Saban. You already have Kyle Flood with the coordinator title. Let him call it, or bring in someone you trust. Then you get to be the head coach on fourth-and-1, seeing the whole field. This is the school that ran the wishbone to titles in '69 and '70. Earl Campbell ran for 1,744 yards in '77. Ricky Williams left with 6,279. We know who we're supposed to be. And our defense is holding teams under 3 yards a carry. We can win with that. After OU you said "not a chance" about giving up the calls. I'm asking you to think about it one more time. For the players. Hook 'em. Texas fans, if you agree, please repost and tag @CoachSark. #HookEm