Eddrick Houston playing his best, and the Buckeyes should be ready to play him more

The third-year Buckeye said the coverage around him helped motivate his jump in play.

Defensive tackle Eddrick Houston was named Ohio State’s defensive player of the game against Maryland. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State football)

COLUMBUS — Maryland was moving, a drive that Eddrick Houston didn’t have anything to do with when it started. He was on the sideline for the first six plays of the Terrapins’ only touchdown march Saturday, taking a breather until James Smith jumped offsides and was sent to the sideline by an exasperated coaching staff.

That brought Houston, the starter, back in.

After rewatching Houston’s snaps from the Buckeyes’ 45-16 win, I think that’s what I took away the most from his play.

You notice when Houston’s in and you notice when he’s out.