Tag: college football preview

College Football News Preview 2020: Arizona State Sun Devils

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing and predicting the Arizona State Sun Devils season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Arizona State Sun Devils season with what you need to know.

CFN in 60 Podcast: 2020 Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State preview in 60 seconds

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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– ASU Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 8-5 overall, 4-5 in Pac-12
Head Coach: Herm Edwards, 3rd year, 15-11
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 37
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 33
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 30

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Arizona State Sun Devils Offense 3 Things To Know

– It was inconsistent, it was occasionally ineffective, and it needed more pop, but the offense was able to come through here and there when it absolutely had to. It finished tenth in the Pac-12 overall, couldn’t run enough, and was dead last in first downs.

And now it loses two of its main parts.

RB Eno Benjamin and WR Brandon Aiyuk are off to the NFL, but Jayden Daniels is back after a strong true freshman season. He was a bit too conservative – often in a good way, only throwing two picks on the year – but he’s a dangerous passer who hit the 300-yard mark five times, highlighted by his 408-yard day against Oregon. But Aiyuk …

CFN in 60 Video: Arizona State Sun Devils Preview
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– The star deep threat is done. Aiyuk is now a San Francisco 49er after leading the team with 65 catches. No. 2 target Kyle Williams is done, too, but Frank Darby is a dangerous big-play target who who averaged close to 20 yards per catch on his 31 grabs with eight scores. Finding a go-to receiver who can do a little of everything is a must.

– The offensive line has to be stronger. Donovan West is a star on the inside at either guard or taking over for Cohl Cabral at center, and there’s hope for an instant boost with transfers Kellen Diesch from Texas A&M and Henry Hattis from Stanford to help the cause. The line only paved the way for 123 yards per game and had major problems in pass protection.

Finding a replacement for Eno Benjamin is the bigger problem. 1,519 of the rushing 1,602 yards and all 13 touchdowns came from someone other than the available running backs on the roster. There are options – sophomore AJ Carter is the main one – but there’s little to no experience to handle the work.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Arizona State Sun Devils Defense 3 Things To Know

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College Football News Preview 2020: Old Dominion Monarchs

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Old Dominion Monarchs season with what you need to know

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Old Dominion Monarchs season with what you need to know.

CFN in 60 Podcast: 2020 Old Dominion Monarchs
Old Dominion preview in 60 seconds

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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– Old Dominion Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 1-11 overall, 0-8 in C-USA
Head Coach: Ricky Rahne, 1st year
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 127
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 125
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 115

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Old Dominion Monarchs Offense 3 Things To Know

– The offense needs a whole lot of help in every way after a disastrous 2019. The Monarchs couldn’t block, couldn’t throw, couldn’t move the chains, and couldn’t run. Other than that, everything was great.

That’s where new head coach Ricky Rahne comes in. The former Penn State offensive coordinator and quarterback at Cornell has a big job to do to 1) find the right quarterback and 2) help the nation’s second-least efficient passing game start to produce. Fortunately …

CFN in 60 Video: Old Dominion Monarchs Preview
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– ODU has a terrific young receiving corps – it’s easily the strength of the offense. Aaron Moore is a big, explosive player who led the team with just 26 grabs. The top five receivers are expected back, helped by former Virginia Tech transfer Eric Kumah, who was terrific in his first four games last year before getting hurt. Now they all need someone to throw to them.

Five Monarchs combined to throw five touchdown passes with 12 interceptions. Sophomore Hayden Wolff is a 6-5 passer who struggled to get anything going, but he’ll be pushed by former Michigan State Spartan Messiah deWeaver and former JUCO transfer and good runner Stone Smartt. Part of the problem was …

– The offensive line was a hot mess. It was a relatively young group overall, and four starters return, but ODU allowed the second-most sacks and tackles for loss per game. There’s decent size and good depth to play around with the lineup.

The running back situation is very, very thin, with leading rusher Kesean Strong done after coming up with just 353 yards. Elijah Davis is a quick option, but there isn’t a much thump to count on. The recruiting class will play an early role.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Old Dominion Monarchs Defense 3 Things To Know

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College Football News Preview 2020: Kentucky Wildcats

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Kentucky Wildcats season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Kentucky Wildcats season with what you need to know.

CFN in 60 Podcast: 2020 Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats preview in 60 seconds

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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– Kentucky Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 8-5 overall, 3-5 in SEC
Head Coach: Mark Stoops, 8th year, 44-44
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 26
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 45
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 38

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Kentucky Wildcats Offense 3 Things To Know

– Don’t get too comfortable with the Kentucky quarterback situation. Even if the depth chart is settled, the coaching staff might need to use smoke and mirrors again – like turning now-Las Vegas Raider WR Lynn Bowden into a devastating rushing quarterback last season.

Bowden stepped in after starter Terry Wilson suffered a devastating knee injury early on in the year. He’s expected to be back in time for the season – if it starts on time – but he still needs a whole lot of work to get back to 100%.

And then there’s Auburn transfer Joey Gatewood. The 6-4, 242-pound sophomore has the tools and talent to be the star of the program, but the NCAA’s flip-flopping on the one-time transfer rule makes him a question mark to be eligible for 2020.

If there are any issues with Wilson and Gatewood, senior Sawyer Smith suddenly gets the keys to the offense. Again, don’t get comfortable until someone runs out on the field for the first drive against Eastern Michigan.

CFN in 60 Video: Kentucky Wildcats Preview
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– Lynn Bowden was the running game at times last year, but no matter who’s at quarterback this year, don’t expect 1,468 yards coming from the position. 6-1, 210-pound senior Asim Rose is back after running for 826 yards and six scores. He’s surrounded by a whole bunch of promising underclassmen – namely sophomores Kavosiey Smoke and Christian Rodriguez, who combined for well over 1,100 yards with 12 scores –  for what should be a solid ground game.

The offensive line will be there to pave the way. Four starters are back from a group that got the job done for the nation’s fourth-best ground attack. There’s depth, size, and enough talent for the front five to be a major plus.

– Bowden was the team’s leading rusher, second-leading passer, and the top receiver. Assume more from the wide receivers, but Josh Ali is the top returning target with just 23 catches for 233 yards and three scores. Expect a lot more big plays from the mostly neglected group for a passing game that failed to connect on half of its passes.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Kentucky Wildcats Defense 3 Things To Know

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College Football News Preview 2020: UTEP Miners

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the UTEP Miners season with what you need to know.<

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the UTEP Miners season with what you need to know.

CFN in 60 Podcast: 2020 UTEP Miners
UTEP Miners preview in 60 seconds

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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– UTEP Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 1-110 overall, 0-8 in
Head Coach: Dana Dimel, 3rd year, 2-22 overall
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 128
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 128
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 130

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: UTEP Miners Offense 3 Things To Know

– The offense only scored 235 points, was 116th in the nation in total yards per game, 119th in scoring O, and … it was the best showing by the attack in three years.

Baby steps.

The team could’ve really used an offseason full of practices to figure out the quarterback situation and finally settle in on one. Transfer Gavin Hardison saw time in two games last season, but he retained his sophomore status. He’s a 6-3, 205-pound passer, but he’ll have to fight off former JUCO transfer Isaiah Bravo and good-looking 6-5 mobile redshirt freshman TJ Goodwin.

CFN in 60 Video: UTEP Miners Preview
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– The top two receivers return, but more options have to emerge. Jacob Cowing is the deep threat – averaging close to 18 yards per game with a team-leading 550 yards on the season – and senior Justin Garrett is back after leading the way with 40 catches.

Coming in to add a little more pop is New Mexico transfer Q Drennan, who missed most of the last two seasons but was a big play threat – averaging 21 yards per catch – when over his first two yeas with the Lobos.

– Senior Quardraiz Wadley ran for a team-high 627 yards and seven scores in 2018, but he missed all of last year with a toe injury. He’s back, along with Deion Hankins, shifty senior Joshua Fields, and a slew of other backs for the rotation. The Miners will go with the hot hand behind a line that returns three starters and has the veteran options at tackle to hope for just a wee bit more production.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: UTEP Miners Defense 3 Things To Know

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College Football News Preview 2020: Illinois Fighting Illini

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, looking ahead to the Illinois Fighting Illini season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Illinois Fighting Illini season with what you need to know.

CFN in 60 Podcast: 2020 Illinois Fighting Illini
2020 Illinois preview in 30 seconds

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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– Illinois Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 6-7 overall, 4-5 in Big Ten
Head Coach: Lovie Smith, 5th year, 15-34 overall
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 50
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 69
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 65

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Illinois Fighting Illini Offense 3 Things To Know

– The Illinois offense wasn’t exactly a smoothly run organization. The running game was okay at times, and the passing attack came through late when it had to in a few huge upsets, but for the most part, it was a struggle.

The Illini finished 112th in the nation in total offense, but it made the yards count with a not-awful 26.7 points per game. However, the O almost never had the ball – long, sustained drives were a rumor – and the attack fell flat late in the season.

There’s hope for a boost, though, with four starters back on what should be a good line, a deep group of quarterbacks to play around with, and with almost all of the key targets back. It all starts with …

CFN in 60 Video: Illinois Fighting Illini Preview
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– The quarterback situation. It would’ve been nice to have had a full offseason of practices to come up with a good pecking order, but at least there’s a nice group of options in place.

Former Michigan transfer Brandon Peters was okay last season, but the accuracy wasn’t there and he didn’t do enough to move the chains. Former super-recruit Isaiah Williams got his feet wet, but he only played in four games to preserve his four years of eligibility. Sophomore Matt Robinson stepped in when Peters got hurt.

The receiving corps is there to do a whole lot more, starting with senior Joel Imaorbhebhe – a former USC transfer with next-level upside. In all, five of the top seven targets are expected back, former Miami Hurricanes Brian Hightower should be a factor, former Georgia super-recruit Luke Ford will get his shot at tight end, and the passing game should be more consistent.

– The offensive line didn’t do enough in pass protection, and the running game was just okay, but there’s a lot to like if the all-star parts can stay healthy. Four starters return with at least two years of starting experience – junior Kendrick Green is growing into a star at guard, and center Doug Kramer is strong – and now this has to be a plus.

Top running back Reggie Corbin left early for the NFL – and went undrafted –  and No. 2 guy Dre Brown is done, too. Ra’Von Bonner has seen enough work to get the early call, and 2017 leading rusher Mike Epstein is back after an injury-plagued few seasons. Star recruit Reggie Love might have the door wide open right away for his services.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Illinois Fighting Illini Defense 3 Things To Know

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College Football News Preview 2020: Nevada Wolf Pack

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Nevada Wolf Pack season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Nevada Wolf Pack season with what you need to know.

CFN in 60 Podcast: 2020 Nevada Wolf Pack
Nevada Wolf Pack preview in 60 seconds

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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– Nevada Wolf Pack Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 7-6 overall, 4-4 in Mountain West
Head Coach: Jay Norvell, 4th year, 18-20 overall
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 89
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 74
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 87

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Nevada Wolf Pack Offense 3 Things To Know

– The Nevada offense hasn’t quite worked like it was supposed to. Head coach Jay Norvell was going to crank up a high-flying run-and-shoot attack – with Matt Mumme, son of passing game guru Hal Mumme – when he took over three years ago. Instead, there have been way too many interceptions, too many sacks, and … the No. 1 offense in the Mountain West averaging 471 yards per game. Depending on the alignment, at least nine starters – more like ten – are expected back.

CFN in 60 Video: Nevada Wolf Pack Preview
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– Sophomore QB Carson Strong went through the growing pains. He made a whole lot of mistakes, but he also showed moments of potential greatness with a good arm and the moxie to keep on battling through several rough patches. The 6-4 bomber is back, but former Boise State transfer Kaiden Bennett adds more mobility.

The receiving corps loses several key parts, but the top two targets – Elijah Cooks and Romeo Doubs – are back. They’ll form one of the best 1-2 punches in the Mountain West.

– The way-too-leaky offensive line is at least loaded with experience. All five starters are back around junior left guard Gray Davis – the best all-around blocker of the bunch – but there’s a whole lot of work to do after allowing 33 sacks while paving the way for a ground game that averaged just 3.4 yards per carry.

“The Union” – the name for the Nevada O line – has a nice back in veteran Toa Taua to block for. He’s a shifty runner who came up with 807 yards and six touchdowns, and 230-pound junior Devonte Lee is the bowling ball who gets the hard yards.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Nevada Wolf Pack Defense 3 Things To Know

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College Football News Preview 2020: Florida State Seminoles

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Florida State season with what you need to kno

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Florida State season with what you need to know.

CFN in 60 Podcast: 2020 Florida State
60-second Florida State preview

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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– Florida State Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 6-7 overall, 4-4 in ACC
Head Coach: Mike Norvell, 1st year, 5th year, 38-15 overall
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 57
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 78
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 36

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Florida State Offense 3 Things To Know

– Welcome to Florida State, new head coach Mike Norvell and offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham. The O wasn’t that bad throughout last season, but it wasn’t consistent, it couldn’t convert enough drives into points, and it never seemed to have the ball, finishing last in the ACC in time of possession. Here’s the positive – this was a big-play attack last year that has enough good pieces to explode. Norvell’s Memphis teams were known for their home run hitting ability, and the Noles should be able to do that.

CFN in 60 Video: Florida State Preview
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– James Blackman wasn’t bad. The junior quarterback might have had a rough Sun Bowl against Arizona State – throwing four picks in the loss – but he’s got a live arm, 28 games of experience, and the downfield ability that Norvell’s offenses look for. Tamorrion Terry leads a veteran receiving corps that’s expected to bring back the top five targets from last year, but the tight end situation will be a bit iffy for a while until more options are built around junior Camren McDonald.

– Cam Akers was a big-time running back recruit who was never quite able to break out behind a miserable line. He’s off to the NFL, and it’s going to be an open casting call to find the right running back rotation. Speed is at a premium under the new coaching staff, and the hope is for Texas A&M transfer Jashaun Corbin to be the answer right away. There’s upside among the young running backs, but …

– The offensive line has been the main culprit in FSU’s drop to mediocrity over the last few years. Jimbo Fisher left a bad situation with no quick fix for Willie Taggart – pass protection has been non-existent for way too long.

By far, this is Job One for the new coaching staff, looking to put the five best pieces in place and figuring it out from there. It starts with FIU transfer Devontay Love-Taylor at one tackle spot – he’s a keeper – and there’s enough experience for the staff to at least have film to go off of.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Florida State Defense Things To Know

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College Football News Preview 2020: Akron Zips

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Akron Zips season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Akron Zips season with what you need to know.

CFN in 60 Podcast: 2020 Akron Zips
60-second Akron Zips preview

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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– Akron Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 0-12 overall, 0-8 in MAC
Head Coach: Tom Arth, 2nd year, 0-12
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 130
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 129
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 125

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Akron Zips Offense 3 Things To Know

– The offense just didn’t work in any way. The Zips were last in the nation in scoring, last in the nation in total offense, and last in the nation in third down conversions. They were able to score 20 points or more just three times, they never scored more than 30, and they were held to seven points or fewer seven times. The attack will continue to try moving with more of a tempo, but it has to find one thing that works. Fortunately …

CFN in 60 Video: Akron Zips Preview
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– Experience isn’t a problem. QB Kato Nelson is back along with seven other starters. The team went young, suffered through a whole slew of major growing pains, and now the O has to start moving despite losing three starters. It starts with the ground game that was dead last in the country, averaging just 48 yards per game. Both offensive tackles are gone, and losing guard Brandon Council to Auburn is a killer. There’s not a lot of size, but there’s enough experience to work around.

– The skill parts need more time to work, but they also have to connect. Junior Brandon Lee led the team with just 179 rushing yards for an attack that ran for a grand total of two scores. There”s depth at running back, though, and the ten top pass catchers are back. Now it’s up to Nelson to run it all in his fourth year with the team. He’s mobile enough to get by, but he has to be more accurate and consistent.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Akron Zips Defense 3 Things To Know

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