Virginia Tech Football: Grading Hokies coaches through first 7 weeks
By Scott Roche
Offensive Coordinator: Tyler Bowen
Through the first four weeks of the season, there was a lot of head-scratching on some of the calls by offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen. One thing was clear, Bowen was searching for an identity for his team.
He lost starting quarterback Grant Wells in the second game of the season against Purdue and it took some time to get Baylor transfer Kyron Drones comfortable. He brings a different skill set than Wells, but one that can open up the playbook and keep opponents off balance in terms of defending the Hokies.
It took four weeks, but Bowen finally committed to the running game, and since he has, Tuten has become a key part of the offense. Mixing in runs with Drones and even calling some trick plays, the playbook has become more aggressive in the last three weeks. Drones appears much more comfortable throwing the ball and have formed a good connection with wide receivers Jaylin Lane and Stephen Gosnell.
Does the more aggressive play calling signal some concern that Bowen has for his job? Who knows, but you can’t disagree that the offense has not looked better recently and they have put up 30 points or more in their last two home games. They need to take that on the road with them as three of the final five games are away from Lane Stadium, but it’s certainly progress that was needed.