Ohio State fans finding out what Virginia Tech fans already knew about Tyler Bowen

After the Virginia Tech football team beat Virginia in November 2024 to become bowl-eligible, that didn't stop former head coach Brent Pry from firing some assistant coaches. Pry fired defensive coordinator Chris Marve and offensive line coach Ron Crook, along with another coach.

One coach that survived the firings was offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen. However, a month after the Hokies' Duke's Mayo Bowl loss to Minnesota, Bowen made the surprising decision to leave Blacksburg and head to Ohio State and join Ryan Day's staff as the offensive line coach.

Pry, who was fired in September at Virginia Tech, but is returning to join James Franklin's staff as the defensive coordinator, hired Philip Montgomery to replace Bowen.

During his time in Blacksburg, more often than not, fans were not happy with the job Bowen did as the offensive coordinator. There were times when he wasn't prepared, his players were not prepared, and his play-calling left a lot to be desired at times. Let's not forget how many times he failed to make adjustments in-game.

On Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, second-seeded Ohio State saw its offense struggle, big time, against an aggressive Miami defense. The offensive line had trouble blocking the Hurricanes and paid for it. Day took over calling plays, and while fans were upset with him, they were just as upset with Bowen.

Ohio State fans frustrated with Tyler Bowen's offensive line against Miami

I mean, Bowen had time to prepare for the Hurricanes, and he even played them last year. Yer were some different faces, but you would think the Buckeyes' offensive line would have been more prepared to repeat as national champs. They weren't.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was 22-for-35 for 287 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Buckeyes' fans are blaming Day for his play calling, but they also see the writing on the wall with Bowen. Next year, expect more of the same.