“I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in the world and I despise to lose “… Wayne Woodrow Hayes (Woody) 1913-1987

IT IS FINALLY HERE!!! Opening day of college football 2010!

A beautiful afternoon to you all from sunny Columbus…a picture perfect late summer afternoon…and a comfortable clear evening is on tap tonight!

For the 121st season (NO Stu has not been in attendance at every opener) the Buckeyes will start a college football season, and like many in the past this one begins with HIGH expectations. 

It has been a good week already for the Scarlet & Grey…new throwback uniforms that will be worn for the Mi##igan game later in the season were unveiled…New divisional alignments for the Big 10—including keeping the greatest rivalry in sports as the final game of the season were announced yesterday…and now in less than 6 hours the Buckeyes will take the field at night in front of more than 105,000 fans!!

Subs have been ordered, chips and dip are ready, desserts have been boxed up…and MOST IMPORTANTLY the beer is on ice!…and IT IS NOWHERE NEAR LAST CALL!!!

The first weekend of the college football season actually has some exciting games so lets get right to it…

UCONN @ Mi##igan…

The only person in Mi##igan with a lower approval rating than Barack Obama is Rich Rodriguez…oops sorry no political statements in the first week of the Buzz…although that’s not really a political statement it’s more fact…okay back to my point–this is no doubt a make or break season for Richy…and starting with UCONN, who many have predicted would win the Big East is not an easy opening game. The pressure is squarely on the Wolverines…and although the Buzz does not predict a great year, UCONN is from the Big (L)East…not your power house conference. I look for RichRod to be happy…at least for a week…and get the season started on the right foot…take Mi##igan in this one…Wolverines- 30 UCONN- 24

Purdue @ Notre Dame…

“Cheer, cheer for ‘ole Notre Dame…wake up the echo’s”…so the “Genius” Charlie Weis is gone and now Brian Kelly rides to the rescue of a football program that has been irrelevant since I graduated from college…and yes to you smart###es out there, that was a long time ago! The Irish, and I’m not talking about Dublin Coffman High School here….are 11 point favorites! Eleven point favorites???…hell they only averaged 18 points a game all of last year! Purdue is going to be better this year…and of course it’s only week #1, but I’m NOT taking Notre Dame—Boilers- 11 1/2 Notre Dame 5 1/2

Friday Night Special… Arizona @ Toledo?

Why are the Arizona Wildcats traveling to Toledo to take on a MAC school?…Ahhh… think about it Bob Stoops from Ohio, looking to get an edge in recruiting some Ohio players?…either that or they were looking for an early season win…’Cats- 35 Rockets- 17

THE Buzz also likes….

Colorado over Colorado State…38-17…Florida to crush Miami of Ohio 55-10…and Lane “people love me” Kiffin to take the Trojans to Hawaii…since they are not going to a bowl game this year (LMAO!), and get the win late tonight on ESPN –35-20

UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK…

The Buzz likes the NC Tar Heels to upset LSU in the Georgia Dome…take NC 27-24 

Paris Hilton “Who Really Cares” Game of the Week…

Kentucky vs. Louisville…yes I know its BIG in basketball…take the BIG BLUE 31-21

GAME of the Week

Monday night Boise State vs. Virginia Tech…honestly this game could be huge for the BCS at the end of the season. Let’s be realistic Boise State plays NO ONE after this game…as high as they are ranked a win here and an undefeated season could result in knocking a REAL team out of the National Championship game…yes I know Boise is fun to watch, the blue turf, the razzle-dazzle plays, but really?? If they played in a conference week in and week out does anyone really think they would go undefeated?

But, you know my thoughts on Va. Tech…if they are not playing at home on a Thursday night…well they always blow it. Neutral site (Baltimore) and the end of a great opening Labor Day weekend of football…the Buzz likes VT in this one, take the Hokies 35-30

NOT on ESPN Tonight…

Well if Kirk Herbstreit is going to be on College GameDay tonight he better hurry…because I just talked to him for a few minutes at lunch about the upcoming season!

Marshall @ Ohio State

The game that starts it all for what could be a special season. These two teams have only met once…a few years ago and it took a 55 yard Mike Nugent FG on the last play of the game for the Buckeye’s to win by three. You know Tress, he has only defeated one opening day opponent by more than 24 points in his career at Ohio State–however he has also taken a little bit of criticism for not opening up the offense earlier in the season. Miami is next week and of course that game looms large in the National picture. Will he show things or not tonight?

Ohio State’s defense has not given up a 100-yard rusher in 23 games dating back three seasons. While Marshall brings an entirely new coaching staff into tonight’s game–I still don’t believe they will be able to run on OSU–as a matter of fact as good as our defenses have been in the past years– our front seven may be the best we have had in many years!

Look for Pryor to want to come out and make a statement early–that last year’s Rose Bowl was just the start of something big— 105,000 are ready and anticipating the start of the season, cocktails are flowing, happy hour is about to starts…oops sorry got carried away where was I…Tress will not run the score up on Marshall it’s just not his style. However if the defense doesn’t give up much then there is not a lot he can do!

In the end…Ohio State gets a good tune up for the big game in 10 days…the offense shows enough and the defense is just too tough— Ohio State- 38 Marshall-10 Here’s to being a Buckeye…here’s to 1-0 start…oh and not really moving up in the polls…that’s going to be tough! LOL!

Proud to be a Buckeye…now its off to the tailgate!

Go Bucks!

Butch

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A perfect…not a cloud in the sky… morning to you all from Columbus

Can you smell it in the air….Can you?

Like the anticipation on Christmas eve morning….we are now less than 34 hours til kick! You can feel the excitement in Columbus it is building and we are about to start what could be…check that WILL BE an awesome year. Let’s get This Party Started!

Tressel’s game week press conference took place yesterday…and yes he said all the politically correct things about how “this game with Marshall was going to be difficult, and that Ohio State of course was not looking ahead to the match-up next weekend against #13 ranked Miami Hurricanes.”—RIGHT!

Not a lot to report, Nathan Williams starting defensive end will set out this first game (Knee) as a precaution…all other Buckeye’s report healthy and ready to go.

Butch and Paul’s tailgate is also ready to go!… We will be alongside (#2 rated by fans tailgate at OSU–the Jones family tailgate) of course. The Buzz is taking tomorrow and Friday off… but of course will send out the FIRST official Buzz of the season, as well as weekend predictions tomorrow morning!

Well I say the tailgate is ready but not quite…we are still finding lids, garbage bags, coolers, flags…hell I didn’t realize we took so much stuff down to the game—HOWEVER, and you will be happy to hear this— THE BEER WILL BE COLD!!!

Now who is in the house for this opener??? If you are send me an email so I can single you out tomorrow in the Buzz…anyone coming to Columbus tonight or is everyone waiting on NEXT weekend’s game!?

Pre-Game party starts tonight at the Rusty Bucket…oh almost forgot you remember last year the Buckeye’s wore what I thought were VERY cool throwback uniforms @ Mi##igan…you remember that ass whipping last November in Annie Arbor? Well Nike is introducing this morning in New York this year’s throwback honoring the 1942 National Championship team…and like last year’s WHITE helmets…LOVE the Scarlet helmets! You are getting the first look at the uniforms on the Buzz

Proud to be a Buckeye…Go Bucks!!!…now can someone order me another beer!

Butch

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A good Monday afternoon to you all from beautiful— sunny—…oh forget it from 93 degree and hot Columbus!–what the hell is up with the weather?

It’s OPENING WEEK OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL—Give me some football weather, and I’m not talking about wimpy southern California or Florida or Texas football weather, I’m talkiing about MIDWEST football weather!

It’s game week!!

Okay, we have a few newbies to the Buzz…so welcome.

Here’s the deal…we send information out periodically, it will be an attachment directing you to the website and if you want to post any comments regarding the article, tailgate pictures, etc. then you can click on the comment button and write til your heart desires! You should never hit reply all EXCEPT when the Buzz opens it up for special occasions like BEAT MI##igan WEEK—I know I am repeating this for some of you veterans, but once again the Buzz feels rejuvenated and ready for a great year—so wanted to get some of the rules out of the way first…oops almost forgot.

Mi##igan…which we never spell correctly SUCKS and always will SUCK…it is a toss up if they SUCK worse than Notre Dame…however due to the fact that they have BOTH SUCKED a lot lately it really has taken some of the fun out of the Buzz…

Yes–regardless of what you hear talking heads like Colin Cowherd say…Pete Carroll knew what was going on and YES USC cheats…always have and they will be irrelevant in a few years as well.

We have readers from California, Seattle, Texas, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta…and many other places not only around this country but a few from overseas!

Feel free to pass along the Buzz to office workers or friends…and if you have an interesting article you can send it…problem is unfortunately its not always a democracy. We post tailgate pictures each Monday from Butch & Paul’s tailgate…for those that have attended nothing else needs to be said…for those who have not, well once again visit the website and click on Tailgate Photo’s archived.

Woody Hayes is as close to God as anyone on this planet will be…there is not much argument there…OSU/Mi##igan is the greatest football game played each year…and the Big 12 has only ONE team and its Texas…The Big East SUCKS in football and the Pacifier-10 is not much better.

Now that we have cleared the air on that one…we are now just 75 hours from kickoff!

I know this is an oldie but I think its a great one…so sit back and enjoy the few minutes.

OSU Play

Proud to be a Buckeye! Go Bucks!

Butch

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A beautiful Thursday afternoon to you from Columbus…if the game were played tonight it would be clear-sunny-and in the low 70′s!!…however we are still ONE WEEK away from the start of a much anticipated football season…OSU vs. Marshall, according to the Butch & Paul’s tailgate countdown clock is just seven days and a few hours away from kickoff.

With still a week before the start of college football there is a lot to talk about so the Buzz wants to do a little house cleaning before the season starts.

Buckeyes Name Captains

For only the second time in the 121 year history of OSU football the Buckeye’s have named six senior as captains. Another reason why you should be excited for this season as the Buckeyes are a veteran team…Defensive captains (Cameron Heyward- Ross Homan- Brian Rolle) and Offensive captains (Bryant Browning- Brandon Saine- Dane Sanzenbacher) are all excited and ready to go.

Newcomers to keep an EYE on in 2010

Again even though this is a veteran team…look for some youngsters to step up. Hearing very good things about Corey Brown a freshman wide receiver from Philadelphia. Also on the offensive side of the ball sophomore Jake Stonbrunner (TE) from Dublin, and although the backfield is crowded either sophomore Jordan Hall (RB) Pittsburgh or freshman (RB) Jaamal Berry from Miami look to impress. On defense I look for Sophomore John Simon (Youngstown) to have a HUGE year after seeing some playing time a year ago.

2011 Schedule complete 

For those looking to travel to Columbus for a big non-conference game next year—the Buckeye’s have made it official (Big 12/Pac 12) Colorado Buffalo’s will make the trip to the ‘Shoe next fall in 2011

OSU-Mi##igan Game to move from final weekend of season??

You have no doubt heard the rumors that one of the greatest sports events in all of sports (Not just college football) the OSU-Michigan game is in jeopardy of not being played in late November on the final Saturday of the regular season. I understand that with Nebraska entering the conference next season we will now have a conference championship game—that’s cool, I think it will be awesome to play in Indy or Chicago for the Big Ten title—HOWEVER I am NOT in favor of moving “The Game” to earlier in the year…it really makes no difference to me if OSU/Michigan are in the same division…(the rumor is they will be split) and no one wants to see them play, then come back the following week and play again for the BT Championship. OSU AD Gene Smith said the other day that he really had not received a lot of comments one way or the other…well that’s because no one knew until recently that this might happen–I’m sure his office is being flooded now!

I recently came across an article…I wont post the whole thing here but did want to point out a few comments from someone OUTSIDE the OSU/Michigan family and what they think if the game is moved…

Michigan and Ohio State first played football in 1897. Never once has it taken place outside Columbus or Ann Arbor. Since 1935, it’s served as the final game of each team’s regular season.

It’s meaning is everything. To this day the final segment of practice at Ohio State is called the “Maize and Blue Period” complete with the Michigan fight song, “The Victors,” blaring over the loudspeakers to infuriate, and motivate, the Buckeyes. Beating Michigan or beating Ohio State is what the teams work toward. It represents seeing the season through, either for their own glory or to ruin their rivals. Through it all, going on 104 years, it’s become one of the greatest rivalries not only in college football, but also in all of American sports. While that’s a debatable title, there’s no question Michigan-Ohio State would be in the discussion. 

It’s not just about who wins and who loses or what is won and what is lost. It’s a celebration of a culture, a day both look forward to and look back on, a feeling of time and place, of memories and roots that run deep in the Midwest soil. You watched with your grandfather. You’ll watch with your grandchildren. No matter when things are good or things are bad – and with both football and the economy, these two states have seen both – it is always there, always the same. To play in it is to play in something bigger than yourself, your team and even your school.

“A remarkable festival,” the announcer Keith Jackson described it on its 100th birthday. “It’s special. It just is.”

Ask Nebraska-Oklahoma…I grew up in the “70′s and that game was special then…It’s not anymore. Moving this game…it will still be special BUT it will NOT be the biggest game in college football after a few years, it will just be another big game…so here’s to heads figuring this out.

And here’s to the 2010-2011 college football season which is about to start. Get the garage cleaned out this weekend, any last minute painting or yard work that needs completed…your next four months of Saturday’s are taken—nothing like it College Football—and glad we are right in the middle!!

Proud to be a Buckeye! Go Bucks!

Butch 

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A PERFECT sunny Thursday afternoon to you all from Columbus!

It’s time for the Buzz to be back—the summer is behind us—which I know disappoints many, but not me,… and I know some of you thought, but unlike Bret Favre, I am NOT retiring. The Buzz actually attended OSU’s practice last night, and being that we are exactly two weeks away from the start of the season it was time to get back to all the OOtners.

I was actually not happy with my performance last year, but promise this year will be different. We have made some slight changes to the website (Check it out)—and are poised for a solid year of providing you with articles, tailgate pictures, blogs and the Buzz insight, as we journey down this path this season ultimately ending in Glendale, Arizona—that’s right January 10^th in Glendale, Arizona!

 Of course the new USA Today poll is out…Ohio State sits @ #2, trailing only Alabama. The entire poll is posted on the site.

The Bucks look quick last night in practice. Look for the offense to open up a little more with so much experience coming back…and the defense will once again be stout. Only one injury to report Nathan Williams starting outside linebacker is out indefinitely with a knee injury, it did not look good last night.

ODDS & ENDS

Vegas has the Buckeyes installed as 5-1 favorites to get back to the National Championship Game

It appears the Buckeyes are looking to get Colorado on the schedule over the next couple of years

Ohio State will wear a NEW Throwback uniform at home this year during the Mi##igan Game…LOVED last year’s white helmets

Last but certainly not LEAST…The Buzz is wishing a speedy recover to Stu “Doc” Jones who had some surgery yesterday and is recovering before the season. You all know Stu, he of the #2 tailgate in the city…of course Butch & Paul’s being #1…Stu, we hope to see you back for the Marshall game but NEED you back for the Miami game…take care and a speedy recovery to you my friend!

Proud to be a Buckeye…we will talk soon!

Go Bucks

Butch

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Aug. 6            2010 preseason poll

Rank Team (first-place votes) 2009 record Points Final 2009 rank

1. Alabama (55) 14-0 1,469 1
2. Ohio State (4) 11-2 1,392 5
3. Florida 13-1 1,245 3
4. Texas 13-1 1,240 2
5. Boise State 14-0 1,215 4
6. Virginia Tech 10-3 1,052 10
7. TCU 12-1 1,051 6
8. Oklahoma 8-5 1,035 NR
9. Nebraska 10-4 1,001 14
10. Iowa 11-2 952 7
11. Oregon 10-3 940 11
12. Wisconsin 10-3 778 16
13. Miami (Fla.) 9-4 728 19
14. Penn State 11-2 508 8
15. Pittsburgh 10-3 492 15
16. LSU 9-4 476 17
17. Georgia Tech 11-3 455 13
18. North Carolina 8-5 445 NR
19. Arkansas 8-5 438 NR
20. Florida State 7-6 374 NR
21. Georgia 8-5 312 NR
22. Oregon State 8-5 263 NR
23. Auburn 8-5 260 NR
24t. Utah 10-3 169 18
24t. West Virginia 9-4 169 22

Others receiving votes
Cincinnati (12-1) 135; Houston (10-4) 76; Brigham Young (11-2) 66; Arizona (8-5) 65; Mississippi (9-4) 48; Clemson (9-5) 44; Stanford (8-5) 41; Connecticut (8-5) 40; Notre Dame (6-6) 38; South Carolina (7-6) 38; Washington (5-7) 26; Missouri (8-5) 23; Navy (10-4) 12; Oklahoma State (9-4) 11; Boston College (8-5) 10; Michigan State (6-7) 10; Arizona State (4-8) 6; California (8-5) 6; Texas Tech (9-4) 5; South Florida (8-5) 4; Texas A&M (6-7) 3; Northwestern (8-5) 2; Temple (9-4) 2; Central Michigan (12-2) 1; Mississippi State (5-7) 1; Nevada (8-5) 1; Northern Illinois (7-6) 1; Southern Methodist (8-5) 1.

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EXPANSION…EXPANSION…EXPANSION…

A pleasant Friday morning to you all from Columbus…its all the talk (Expansion) so the Buzz decided to weigh in and based on “some” inside information add my two cents. Not sure if it will clear things up for you or just add to the confusion!

Colorado dropped the first shoe yesterday…and I believe in a couple hours the Nebraska Cornhuskerswill become members of the Big Ten…no secrets there. The Nebraska tradition and the fact they are the only team in the state makes them in my mind a perfect fit. The Cornhuskers will travel oh yeah—they will bring 30,000 for every away game. Their natural location ties to Iowa/Minnesota…it works.

There are two key teams in play here—again no secret– NOTRE DAME & TEXAS.

Let’s talk ND…you know my LOVE for Notre Dame..or hate. Of course the Irish want to remain independent–NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. The Big Ten has already expended west (Nebraska) and I know some think that Missouri is next in line…but I’m not so sure. I think the BT will put pressure on ND—the rumor is they have until next Tuesday…if they do not commit look for the BT to head EAST instead of West…Syracuse? Rutgers?…they will purposely BLOW up the Big East FORCING ND to make a decision. The BT is the only fit! ND wants to remain independent so they can set their own football schedule right? Well once we get to 4 mega conferences of 16 teams–who will be left for ND to play? Outside of playing the “academies” and a couple other teams—do you really think that once conferences go to 16 teams, and they have a tougher conference schedule, that they are going to schedule ND? ND will be blackballed!

Texas…yes the Longhorns. I have been telling my brother in law who lives in Dallas for three months now this conference realignment was going to happen…and yesterday he seemed shocked when the Big 12 started to implode! I will admit I am changing my mind, as I once believed Texas would head to the BT—My belief now is it will be the Pac 10—or whatever name they come up with. Honestly it is a better fit…the Pac 10 will be everything Texas and west. The thought all along has been that ALL the Texas schools would go together, but I think now A&M (SEC) and Baylor (No conference) will NOT go to the Pac 10—could be wrong but we will see.

I think The Big 10 all along wanted (Texas/Nebraska/ND) and go to 14 teams—how great would that conference be in football??!!

The Big 10 is sitting pretty—The Big 12 is gone–and the landscape of college football will change…and hey let’s not forget basketball…how bad is it for Kansas, a great basketball school…who could be left without a conference! Or worse yet, merge with the Mountain West and have to play those schools in basketball—good luck! More and more it appears the BT will have an East and a West division…but we will see. 

Look for it all to unfold over the next few weeks…and don’t believe that academics play a part! Its the $$$$$. It will be very interesting to see which of these teams get blackballed within their own conference over the next year or so during the transition.

Notre Dame in the Big Ten—Ahhhh all is good, another reason to hate the Irish!

On another note—Tommy Trojan!!! What happened, where are you headed? I mean let’s be real did ANYONE…and I mean ANYONE think that Petey Carroll was NOT PAYING his players as they hung out and partied with Snoop Dog? Okay maybe Petey lover Colin Cowherd didn’t think so–but those penalties—that spells the NCAA thinks the coaches knew! Saw some quotes this morning from AD Mike Garrett—clueless, thinks its all conspiracy! Remember how the Buzz was disappointed when Charlie Weiss left ND? I knew they would remain a laughing joke as long as he was the head coach! Well, Mike Garrett, Lane Kiffin—stay @ USC as long as you like!!!

Proud to be  Buckeye…83 days until opening kickoff!

Go Bucks!

Butch

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As you know tomorrow we will get our first look at the 2010 Buckeyes—although with 16 starters returning, many of the faces we already know. The Spring Game (Scarlet vs. Grey)…unfortunately the weather forecast is NOT good, so the usual 85,000 Buckeye fans who turn out may be a little less. DO NOT fear however…if you are in the area Butch & Paul’s will still be open—as a matter of fact we are combining with the Jones Family Tailgate to make???…hummm…Butch & Paul Jones Family Tailgate?? The Buzz still expects a crowd of more than 60,000…what some teams average for a big prime time regular season game. 

It has been a while since we talked football…and although we are still 19 weeks away from the opening game…okay 18 weeks and six days…many publications have already released their National Championship contenders. The Bucks in Vegas are second favorites (5-1) to win it all trailing ONLY Alabama. So for those Buzz readers who live in parts of the country that despise the Buckeyes being on top…we AIN’T going anywhere!

Odds & Ends

Some of the 2010 start times have already been released…and I say there will be plenty of drinking on some Saturday’s as the Buckeyes are slated to play THREE night games!…uh oh that’s more tailgating time for those of you who like to party on college football Saturday’s. The home opener as you know has been moved to Thursday night (9/2) @ 7:30 on the Big Ten Network…in addition @ Wisconsin (8p) and at Minnesota (7p) have been penciled in as well– and the big clash on (9/11) against Miami–which start @ 3:30 on ESPN.

The defense dominated the jersey scrimmage last weekend in the ‘Shoe—so while the offense will be much improved in 2010, don’t count the defense, which of course has been ranked in the top 10 for about a decade, out–they will be strong

Pryor’s knee is fine…also, look for Devier Posey to have an awesome year @ WR—he is going to be one of the best in the country next year

This team is very deep…four offensive linemen return, and don’t forget the 2009 recruiting class was ranked in the top 3, so look for some of those players to start to emerge and become household names.

Tomorrow…Scarlet -24 Grey- 16…

Proud to be a Buckeye!! Go Bucks!

Butch

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A good Wednesday morning to you all from Columbus!

I know…you are probably saying a Buzz in March! Well first let me say I needed to write something…after dealing with 2 1/2 feet of freakin snow for a month…it’s time to get outside–the high is actually going to get up into the 40′s this weekend-WooHoo.

While we mostly focus on OSU football it is now time to give the basketball program some LOVE! Many of you have text, emailed or ask me about the team, and after last night’s win over Illinois the Buckeyes have now won 13 of their last 14 in the Big Ten and will enter next weekends Big Ten tournament as the #1 seed!

A couple observations:

While this team is thin…really only six players play…they are very balanced (4 players averaging more than 12 points a game)…and Evan Turner-WOW. If you have not seen him play, you need to make an appointment to do so. With all due respect to my Kentucky readers (wife-brother in law-friends in Louisville)…Turner IS the Player-Of-The-Year in college basketball! Some have asked me if he is the best I have seen in my lifetime @ OSU. If he is not the best player at Ohio State in the last 40 years (maybe Jim Jackson-who was incredible)…then he is #2. He can do it all and what makes this team dangerous is that they have good outside shooters– Turner drives and they spot up for the 3, and it can be deadly.

There will definitely be teams out there who pose problems–AND the Buckeyes will need to stay out of foul trouble-BUT with March Madness just around the corner- (I know you all have brackets to fill out- hopefully in my pool) but keep an eye on the Bucks- Indianapolis and the Final Four is just a short 3 hour drive! 

Proud to be a Buckeye!…52 days until the Spring Game…and 183 days until the opener!

Go Bucks 

Butch

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