Jeff Behrman isn’t a movie buff but he has seen the 2011 baseball film “Moneyball,” starring Brad Pitt as Oakland A’s General Manager Bill Beane, who changes baseball with an analytical approach to constructing his roster in the early 2000s. Beane is trying to replace All-Star first baseman Jason Giambi, who left the team via free agency. Financial considerations force Beane to develop an approach of re-creating Giambi through three cheaper yet efficient players. Fast forward 13 years and Behrman — now John Carroll’s football coach — and his offensive staff have recreated the team’s running back position with three very efficient players. Instead of one back carrying the load this season, the Blue Streaks have featured three to create an impressive rushing attack leading into their second-round NCAA Division III playoff showdown Nov. 30 at Mount Union. John Carroll running back Quincy Newsom runs for yards against Mount St. Joseph Nov. 23. (Tim Phillis — The News-Herald) On the stat sheet, the running back trio of Evan McVay, Nemo Jenkins and Quincy Newsom do not jump off the page. None of the three have more than 85 carries. None have more than 600 rushing yards. A clearer, more impressive stat pack emerges when their stats are combined. Through 11 games, McVay, Jenkins and Newsom have combined for 243 carries, 1,476 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Blue Streaks (9-2). Running back Evan McVay breaks into the open against Mount St. Joseph Nov. 23. (Tim Phillis — For The News-Herald) In JCU’s playoff opener Nov. 23 in a 52-7 win over Mount St. Joseph, the three backs combined to rush for 211 yards on 33 carries. Newsom had the most attempts with 13 and McVay the most yards with 78. Jenkins was the lone back to score a rushing TD. “It’s new to a lot of people. It’s not new to me,” said Behrman of his team’s approach at running back. That approach was done with a purpose. “It keeps them fresh,” said the JCU coach. “If (we) had a guy who was getting 20 to 25 carries going into his 12th game, he would be pretty beat up right now. Maybe he wouldn’t even be practicing today. “We want three backs in a rotation. If you wanna play late in the season, you have to be fresh. Playing three guys allows us to be fresh.” John Carroll running back Nemo Jenkins runs for yards against Marietta Nov. 16. (Lianna Holub — For The News-Herald) The trio have differences and similarities. Jenkins and Newsom are taller than McVay, who stands 5-foot-9. Jenkins is the fastest among the three. Newsom is more of a power back and McVay a shifty back. All can get the tough yards. “They have a great chemistry among them,” said Behrman. “They’re excited for each other’s success. It’s pretty amazing.” Jenkins is the newbie of the group as a transfer from Wilmington. In 2023, he rushed for 1,054 on 218 attempts. Having those attempts cut by almost two-thirds was no problem for him this season. “Having them by my side and knowing we can get the job done is great,” said Jenkins. McCoy is a senior who’s been a starter since he was a freshman and has been mega-productive. He’s carried the ball 426 times in his career with 88 catches plus McVay also returns kicks. “I feel as fresh as ever,” said McVay. “I trust these guys and their capabilities when they’re on the field. Even though I’m not getting 20 carries, I trust these guys to carry the rock.” The Blue Streaks will need their backfield trio to produce better than it did in the first meeting with Mount Union (10-0). In that game — a 37-31 come-from-behind Mount Union victory — JCU struggled to run the ball with just 77 yards on 26 carries. Newsroom, McVay and Jenkins combined for 14 carries and 57 yards while the passing game carries the offense. “It was early in the year. We were still creating our identity,” said Behrman. JCU’s running back trio has since found its footing, and as a group they are determined to keep it going vs. the Purple Raiders. Said Newsome of the three-back attack: “It all connects to one and we’re getting better and better each week.” John Carroll at Mount Union What: Second-round NCAA D-III football playoff game When: Noon, Nov. 30 Where: Kehres Stadium, Alliance Records: JCU 9-2, Mount 10-0 TV: ESPN+; Radio: WJCU-FM 88.7 JCU running backs’ stats Nemo Jenkins: 80 carries, 553 yards, 6 TD Evan McValy: 85 carries, 493 yards, 8 TD Quincy Newsome: 78 carries, 432 yards, 9 TD Season total: 243 carries, 1,478 yards, 23 TD Combined average per game: 22 carries, 134 yards, 2 TD