ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Malcolm Perry #10 of the Navy Midshipmen scores a touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates during the first quarter at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The annual Notre Dame football game with Navy is upon us as the Irish return home to face a surprising Top 25 opponent.

The story of why Notre Dame football and Navy play is a good one. It’s a game rich in tradition, one of the very few games rivalry games where the “rivalry” is actually mutual respect, admiration and appreciation. Just don’t mistake the for not wanting to win.

Nobody really thought coming into the year that Navy would be much of a challenge. Coming off a 3-10 season, Navy had their worst campaign in over 15 years. Now here we are in November, and all the Midshipmen have done is win seven games with their only loss was at Memphis.

As usual, Navy’s triple option offense has given opponents fits. Navy averages over 350 yards rushing per game, with their highest total being 434 against USF and their low coming against Air Force with 214.

Navy has a history of playing close games with Notre Dame. After losing 43 straight, Navy has won 4 times in 12 years, even gaining a winning streak of their own with two in a row in 2009-10. Seven of the last 12 games have been decided by 10 points or less, with Notre Dame winning just four.

Navy obviously has some great speed and strength on their team. The element of surprise could also prove to be a problem. But for Navy to pull another upset, the triple option will have to be in full effect.

These five players could end up giving the Irish fits on Saturday.

Malcolm Perry, QB

As with your usual Navy quarterback, Perry is only a quarterback in name. He has played a key role at Navy since 2017 when he took over for Will Worth. Perry has over three times as many rushing yards as passing yards over his career, with 949 passing and 3384 rushing.

He’s only attempted 53 passes this year, about six per game. Instead, Perry has 157 rushing attempts which have been good for 1,042 yards. He’s also found the end zone a total of 21 times, with 16 coming on the ground and five through the air.

Perry is the biggest threat on this offense.

Nelson Smith, Fullback

When Perry isn’t keeping the ball himself, his primary option will be Nelson Smith. Smith has already seen more action this year despite playing in 12 games in 2018. He has more carries, yards and touchdowns this season. He’s had 190 plays from scrimmage in his career, but has never even caught a pass.

Smith has 505 yards on the ground with seven touchdowns. He hasn’t had a 100 yard game yet, but has only been under 50 yards just twice. Smith has had anywhere from five to 19 carries in a game this year. He’s not necessarily a threat for a big play, but he gets the job done.

Jamale Carothers, Fullback

Carothers is a 5’9, 203 pound sophomore that is the future of this Navy offense. He was Kentucky’s Mr. Football in 2017, and despite this, his only offer was from Navy.

Carothers only started making an impact about a month ago. He’s only played in four games with his debut coming October 12 against Tulsa. In his limited action, he’s proven to be one of the best talents on the team. He’s third in rushing yards, with 355. He also has two separate three touchdown performances, coming against Tulane and UConn. Carothers is a dangerous runner and could possibly be the most underrated runner Notre Dame will face all season.

Jake Springer, Linebacker

A converted safety, Springer has found his true football calling at linebacker. Springer spent the first two years of his career at safety, but all of his numbers from this year have already surpassed his career totals. Much like Jamale Carothers, his only offer was from the Midshipmen.

Springer has 42 tackles on the season, but where he makes his impact felt is in the backfield. Springer leads the Midshipmen in both tackles for loss (11) and sacks (7) as well as having three forced fumbles. Springer is the biggest threat to Ian Book on the entire Navy defense.

Michael McMoris, CB

Another one of Navy’s young guns, McMorris is the top cornerback for Navy and he’s only a sophomore. McMorris was a two star recruit per 247Sports and is yet another player with no offers other than Navy. And much like the others, he’s developed into a solid player.

McMorris leads the team in pass breakups with 8. He has two fumble recoveries and is one of six Midshipmen with at least one interception. McMorris figures to see lots of playing time against Chase Claypool this week, a matchup in which McMorris has a 7-inch height disadvantage. He definitely has the potential to disrupt the Notre Dame passing attack, but he may have his work cut out for him.