3 Ohio State defensive players who could challenge Notre Dame's offensive run in CFP national championship 

While Ohio State's big-play offense gets headlines, their defense is at the top of the national standings. Ohio State has allowed the fewest points (12.2 points per game) and yards per game (251.1 yards per game). Furthermore, the Buckeyes are third in the nation in QB sacks (51) and seventh in tackles for loss (106).

Ohio State has only allowed more than 17 points twice and more than 21 points once. Likewise, the Buckeyes have only allowed 280 total yards twice this season.

Notre Dame figures to have a tough battle and in fact, here's a closer look at three OSU defenders who could challenge the Fighting Irish next Monday in the CFP national championship game.

Top 3 Ohio State defenders who could stop Notre Dame

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs could be key to the Buckeyes' CFP title chances. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#3. Cody Simon, LB

A senior linebacker, Simon has been OSU's top tackler this season with 104 stops. Simon has amassed 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks on the season. He has also broken up seven passes on the season. Simon is multi-talented and able to track down negative plays or help out in coverage on the back end of defensive plays.

Simon is also finishing his OSU career strong. He has double-digit tackles in three of his last five games, with nine and seven tackles in the other two. Simon also has three different games with multiple tackles for loss. He's an instant game-changer for a veteran and talented Ohio State defense.

#2. JT Tuimoloau, DE

A standout pass-rusher, Tuimoloau might have been somewhat overshadowed by fellow end Jack Sawyer in the CFP semifinal game. It's unlikely that it will happen twice. Tuimoloau has 56 tackles on the season, including 19.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. Tuimoloau also has five QB hurries, three pass breakups and two fumbles forced.

In many ways, Tuimoloau's dominant performance against Penn State a season ago put him on the national map. That particular performance showed that he can single-handedly flip a game. Tuimoloau has 5.5 sacks in the previous three CFP games, so if he continues at that pace, he's got another big game coming.

#1. Caleb Downs, S

Downs has been a consensus All-American as a safety for the Buckeyes and is likely to have a significant impact on the big game. Downs, who transferred in from Alabama, has 77 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss. Downs has broken up eight passes this season, including a pair of interceptions, while also returning a punt for a touchdown.

Downs broke up three passes against Oregon and had interceptions in the semifinal win over Texas and against Michigan. If Ohio State can force a turnover or two to turn the game, it wouldn't be surprising if Downs was involved somewhere in such a critical play.

What do you think of Ohio State's defense against Notre Dame? Share your predictions for the big game in the comments section below.