Scarlet Sunrise: Buckeyes believe DE Caden Curry gives them 'something' in offensive package

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Buckeyes believe DE Caden Curry gives them ‘something’ in offensive package

Aside from his usual special teams duties, Ohio State sophomore defensive end Caden Curry played just two snaps at Notre Dame two weeks ago — and one of them was on offense.

Curry turned heads as he trotted onto the Notre Dame Stadium field in the second quarter for a 3rd-and-Goal from the 1-yard line. He was part of a goal line package that featured Ohio State’s “Bison” personnel with extra tackle Luke Montgomery, plus the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Curry, who lined up at fullback.

Even with all that additional power, running back Miyan Williams was stopped short of the end zone.

Notre Dame defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste — who spent five seasons with the Buckeyes — shed a block from right tackle Josh Fryar and was the first to halt Williams.

Curry, though, sealed off Notre Dame linebacker Jaylen Sneed on the play.

“He’s a really good football player, and we think he gives us something,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said of Curry Thursday. “The play that he was in for, it wasn’t really quite identified properly. But he I think is going to be a force for us.”

Before the Notre Dame game, Curry logged at least 16 defensive snaps each of the first three weeks of the season, according to Pro Football Focus. He kicked off the year with a strong performance at Indiana, where he notched four total tackles and, per PFF, two pressures generated.

He’s been quieter since but has remained a mainstay on special teams, where he also made an impression in 2022, a season in which Curry quickly earned playing time — amassing 65 defensive snaps as a true freshman before the off week — yet didn’t see the field much down the stretch.

Curry is now in play for all three phases of the game.

“We see certain things in special teams that he can bring to the table,” Day explained.

“And when we were putting a couple packages together, we felt like he gave us some power. He’s a really good athlete, he can catch the ball well, so he’s gonna see an increased role on defense, but this is something that he can handle.”

Buckeyes, Big Ten reveal conference opponents through 2028

The Big Ten released a new scheduling model for the next five seasons of its soon-to-be 18-team league. That means Ohio State’s 2024 schedule is officially set.

Well, except for the dates of those Big Ten games — those are supposed to come soon.

The future is set 🕰️ pic.twitter.com/B2Y5F8Esak

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 5, 2023

The Buckeyes will have eight home games next year, including five in conference action. They will host Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Purdue and Michigan.

Ohio State will go on the road in Big Ten play to face Northwestern, Michigan State, Oregon and Penn State.

Keep in mind: The Buckeyes won’t play the Nittany Lions in 2026 or 2027. Michigan is the Buckeyes’ lone protected rival in this division-less model.

For more details on Ohio State’s home/away Big Ten opponents through 2028, go here.

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• Three Key Buckeyes takeaways from new Big Ten scheduling model

Ohio State hoping to contain Taulia Tagovailoa with coordinated rush

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is dangerous outside the pocket, especially now that he’s healthy. The Ohio State defense knows it has its hands full Saturday against the Terrapins’ all-time leading passer.

What will it take to stop him?

“You have to try to keep him off balance,” Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “At the same time, it’s really got to be a coordinated rush, because you see multiple instances of guys coming free, and he makes them miss. I mean, you know, scot-free.

“So, really, there’s a lot of coordination involved in trying to contain him. It’s got to be a big part of the game plan.”

For the full story, go here.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Maryland: 1 day
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 50 days

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