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Ok optimists convince me

SnohomishRed

Offensive Coordinator
Jan 31, 2005
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What exactly is the evidence that shows this staff is going to do well here and win Big10 title(s)

I am looking for some concrete evidence anything no matter how small that gives a long time fan hope for better days ahead
 
What exactly is the evidence that shows this staff is going to do well here and win Big10 title(s)

I am looking for some concrete evidence anything no matter how small that gives a long time fan hope for better days ahead
The only thing I can point to right now is the quality of recruits visiting (and hopefully) committing. This is a level of recruit not brought in by Bo much, and the organizational skill shown in recruiting has to pay off, imho.
 
If he can pull in highly rated class that would be something but recruiting classes need tobe strung together at least two years worth then put i the the system for a couple of years before they can make a real difference - but it would be something if it happens
 
There's lots of hope, but if you need convincing, we'll likely be unable to do so. Not because there isn't hope, but rather, because you've drawn firm conclusions about the future far to soon in the process.
then tell me why convince me otherwise - i want to be a happy fan:)
 
I got nothin'. I wanted the game day product to convince me wins would come with all the nice PR moves off the field. I haven't seen evidence of that.

The biggest story to me is penalties. I can forgive you having a system that struggles to get going with a group of guys who may not be suited for it. But there is ZERO excuse to be the most penalized team in the nation. Nor is there any excuse for the poor game management we've seen.

Those to me are the mark of guys who are never gonna get it figured out. They're all veteran coaches. They've had time enough to eliminate those aspects. That they haven't tells me they don't know how.

I view this now as a caretaker staff. They have 2 jobs:

1) Un-f**k the kids' heads from the emotional abuse they endured under the last staff
2) Recruit talented enough guys to set the next staff up for immediate success

Again, I hope to be wrong, but I think in another 4 years we sure will be sorry that we have to run Mike Riley out of the job because we want to like him so much.
 
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R-E-L-A-X. We have a better coach and assistants than the past, can't wait to see what they can do with the talent to run Riley's scheme.
 
Shawn says 90% of his in box is positive so things are good. No worries the energy bus is on the rails after all.
 
What exactly is the evidence that shows this staff is going to do well here and win Big10 title(s)

I am looking for some concrete evidence anything no matter how small that gives a long time fan hope for better days ahead

Nebraska hasn't won a conference title since 1999, and you want evidence that Riley will after 6 games, with a total philosophy change on both sides of the ball?
 
Riley won with much less at OSU. Given the resources at NU and once he gets the talent he wants, they will win BIG.
 
then tell me why convince me otherwise - i want to be a happy fan:)

I'll try :)

Nebraska's 2013 scholarship class:

Josh Banderas 4 stars - injured, may be back this week

Cethan Carter 3 stars - light bulb slowly coming on

Maliek Collins 3 stars - jewel of the class to date

Tre'vell Dixon 3 stars - probably still flipping his commitment somewhere

Matt Finnin 3 stars - MIA

Nathan Gerry 3 stars - much maligned, solid player

Kevin Gladney 3 stars - who?

Randy Gregory 4 stars - Dallas Cowboys, no longer on team

Zach Hannon 3 stars - who?

Greg Hart 3 stars - who?

Dwayne Johnson 3 stars - making bad movies in Hollywood


Boaz Joseph 3 stars - wasn't this a 1970's singer?

David Knevel 3 stars - Evel's son? MIA

Chongo Kondolo 3 stars - active this year

Courtney Love 3 stars - killed Kurt Cobain, amirite?

Drake Martinez 3 stars - suiting up against Nebraska later this year

Kevin Maurice 3 stars - had a great game this year, now is injured

Gabriel Miller 2 stars - who?

Dimarya Mixon 3 stars - who?

A.J. Natter 3 stars - who?

Marcus Newby 4 stars - light bulb came on this year

Terrell Newby 4 stars - another solid player

Johnny Stanton 3 stars - no longer on team, check Twitter

Ernest Suttles 3 stars - fighting in a bar somewhere, probably

Adam Taylor 4 stars - buried on the depth chart, no contribution so far.

So there's something for you to consider. Nebraska has lots of talent, but an objective evaluation of the roster (and this is just one year's example) shows a combination of recruiting whiffs and bad luck. Even with this disadvantage:

- we've been in every game
- we've lost games with almost every bad break imaginable
- all teams have injuries, but our injury list this year is the worst in recent memory
- last year we all felt the culture surrounding the team was poisoned, and this is still being flipped
- Like Callahan and Pelini before him, success will likely grow as the new systems become familiar
- Gerry Dinardo on the radio after the Southern Miss game (paraphrase) "The defensive scheme is sound, players have to make plays"

There's countless other ways I can go about preaching positivity, but in all fairness, we've seen a substantial amount of things to be concerned about. Still, in a larger sense, what do we really know yet? Shouldn't we have a better handle on how things will play out in 1.5 years? I feel like we need to be patient, and let Riley and co. do their thing. If they fail, we move on. If they succeed, it'll be a sweet reward for all Nebraska Fans.
 
Nebraska hasn't won a conference title since 1999, and you want evidence that Riley will after 6 games, with a total philosophy change on both sides of the ball?
I would like to be able to look at tproduct on the field and say " they are well coached just wait until we get his players in here" I am struggling with that thinking right now
 
I'll try :)

Nebraska's 2013 scholarship class:

Josh Banderas 4 stars - injured, may be back this week

Cethan Carter 3 stars - light bulb slowly coming on

Maliek Collins 3 stars - jewel of the class to date

Tre'vell Dixon 3 stars - probably still flipping his commitment somewhere

Matt Finnin 3 stars - MIA

Nathan Gerry 3 stars - much maligned, solid player

Kevin Gladney 3 stars - who?

Randy Gregory 4 stars - Dallas Cowboys, no longer on team

Zach Hannon 3 stars - who?

Greg Hart 3 stars - who?

Dwayne Johnson 3 stars - making bad movies in Hollywood


Boaz Joseph 3 stars - wasn't this a 1970's singer?

David Knevel 3 stars - Evel's son? MIA

Chongo Kondolo 3 stars - active this year

Courtney Love 3 stars - killed Kurt Cobain, amirite?

Drake Martinez 3 stars - suiting up against Nebraska later this year

Kevin Maurice 3 stars - had a great game this year, now is injured

Gabriel Miller 2 stars - who?

Dimarya Mixon 3 stars - who?

A.J. Natter 3 stars - who?

Marcus Newby 4 stars - light bulb came on this year

Terrell Newby 4 stars - another solid player

Johnny Stanton 3 stars - no longer on team, check Twitter

Ernest Suttles 3 stars - fighting in a bar somewhere, probably

Adam Taylor 4 stars - buried on the depth chart, no contribution so far.

So there's something for you to consider. Nebraska has lots of talent, but an objective evaluation of the roster (and this is just one year's example) shows a combination of recruiting whiffs and bad luck. Even with this disadvantage:

- we've been in every game
- we've lost games with almost every bad break imaginable
- all teams have injuries, but our injury list this year is the worst in recent memory
- last year we all felt the culture surrounding the team was poisoned, and this is still being flipped
- Like Callahan and Pelini before him, success will likely grow as the new systems become familiar
- Gerry Dinardo on the radio after the Southern Miss game (paraphrase) "The defensive scheme is sound, players have to make plays"

There's countless other ways I can go about preaching positivity, but in all fairness, we've seen a substantial amount of things to be concerned about. Still, in a larger sense, what do we really know yet? Shouldn't we have a better handle on how things will play out in 1.5 years? I feel like we need to be patient, and let Riley and co. do their thing. If they fail, we move on. If they succeed, it'll be a sweet reward for all Nebraska Fans.

the 2013 class was a bit below what is normal for recruitng classes in general by almost all schools - The average is 50% of recruits do not pan out that holds pretty true acorss most schools most years - so even schools recruiting high level talent - count on 50% of the players ever contributing.

- we've been in every game - good point and this is encouraging
- we've lost games with almost every bad break imaginable - ehh that is a stretch really we lost games because of defense putting the other team in position to score late
- all teams have injuries, but our injury list this year is the worst in recent memory - maybe hard to say but could be a good point
- last year we all felt the culture surrounding the team was poisoned, and this is still being flipped - agreed
- Like Callahan and Pelini before him, success will likely grow as the new systems become familiar - Both these coaches failed to win a confer title and were fired
- Gerry Dinardo on the radio after the Southern Miss game (paraphrase) "The defensive scheme is sound, players have to make plays" - here is where I strongly disagree - the scheme is sound but it is not fair then to blame players - it is on the coaches - Look at MSU this year - same scheme as always, has been recrutiing better players and yet theuir defense is taking a big step back this year - Why? becuase narduzzi is not longer coaching the D that is why - every scheme can work depends on who is coaching it
 
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I agree... If you want others to convince you than it's too late!... If you want to be a happy fan then be a happy fan. We have been in every game we have played this year, I didn't see a Wisconsin running back run for 400+ in 3 quarters this year. Our pass defense needs improvement no doubt but coming off of Bo's complicated Defensive schemes they just aren't grasping playing the tight man to man coverage yet. I think they have improved some in pass coverage as the year has gone on, do I think they are good... NO, but there has been some improvement. The DB's were actually making breaks on the ball and getting break ups against Wisconsin. We need to blitz more to help them out in my opinion but if/when we do that they need to get to the QB on a little more consistent level. I give Banker credit for fixing our Run defense.... If we can just teach the DB's to turn their head and find the ball in the air I think they will improve greatly.

Offensively, Tommy is undoubtedly better than last year. But when he gets pressure he resorts back to his old ways. (Throwin it up for grabs, chucking it deep, and throwing off his back foot). You can't expect that to change over night... I don't care what type of QB guru you think/expect Riley and Langsdorf to be. I think he could grow even more this offseason to be honest. We need to find a RB that is going to run hard and be consistent. We were all spoiled by how special Ameer was... I knew that would be an area of concern going into this year, because he was a special talent! We have solid RB's in our program but they too are learning pass pro and everything else that is new. WR's are in good hands I think with Williams, that guy seems like he is a solid coach. We are drawing the interest of several big time recruits at the position so lets see if we can get some in here and pair them with Morgan in the years to come.

I hear why people are upset that the team is 2-4 but I would not take Pelini back for anything.... That man brain washed an entire team into thinking the fans didn't care and they only thing that mattered was him and his staff! That to me is toxic and without a doubt believe their are still some players in the program that think that way. That is the next thing that can not be changed over night! They will weed themselves out and things will start to come around. I hated the way Pelini represented the University with this on and off the field antics and I'm glad he's gone. He did win 9 games a year I understand that but as a life long Husker fan that is not the way I remember Nebraska football being! I'm on board with Riley and his staff and will support them no matter what. It's not easy watching your favorite team struggle but I think he will do a good job, will he ever win a conference title? I don't know, but I can tell you one thing, in the little amount of time he has been here the recruiting is already better just by who he is getting on campus and if we can start to get some of these kids, I think we will be a very tough team again. There is just to much parity in college football anymore to have teams like we were used to in the 90's, but I do believe that we can get back to being a nationally relevant team again. That's just my 2 cents worth! GO BIG RED!!!!!
 
If there is a bright spot so far it is that we are stopping the run at least so far - I disagree with you guys that say if I canot blindly support and think in a rosey manner that I will always be this way and its too late -That is a complete falsehood - I am still a fan and want the team to succeed and the coaches to succeed

But i think it is important to be realstic right now - yes this is only 6 games in but this is staff that has been together a long time and has a long track record =- Yur comment about Tommy improving is exactly my point - he has not improved in any measurable way - His completion percent is worse this year and could get even worse as we head into colder weather. he is on pace to throw the same amount of Int's and about the same amount of TD passes even though his attempts are greatly increased

Who said anything about taking pelini back - that ship sailed already
 
then tell me why convince me otherwise - i want to be a happy fan:)

What better argument than from another doubter (I like to think of myself as objective).

I watched the Big Red Wrap Up following the Wiscy game. They talked about talent. Matt Davison said we have enough talent to win every game we've played. Blake Lawrence started talking about the two-deep. Matt Davison shut him down cold in his tracks. Davison says something along these lines (paraphrasing), "we're not talking about winning national championships, we're talking about winning against the teams we've played and the teams we will play". I agree with Davison. Jay Foreman was on Big Red Wrap Up a couple weeks ago, he said (again paraphrasing), "There are fundamentals problems, and these are correctable. Let's face it, it's not a talent issue anymore, we hear that rhetoric, we need to get the players to buy in". Here again, I agree with Jay Foreman.

We've lost games by slim margins basically in the final minute of the game and one in OT. We've been in a position to win. The players want to win. The coaches want to win. We don't even need to play perfect games, just cut out a few of the bone-headed things (coaches and players) and we win.
 
What better argument than from another doubter (I like to think of myself as objective).

I watched the Big Red Wrap Up following the Wiscy game. They talked about talent. Matt Davison said we have enough talent to win every game we've played. Blake Lawrence started talking about the two-deep. Matt Davison shut him down cold in his tracks. Davison says something along these lines (paraphrasing), "we're not talking about winning national championships, we're talking about winning against the teams we've played and the teams we will play". I agree with Davison. Jay Foreman was on Big Red Wrap Up a couple weeks ago, he said (again paraphrasing), "There are fundamentals problems, and these are correctable. Let's face it, it's not a talent issue anymore, we hear that rhetoric, we need to get the players to buy in". Here again, I agree with Jay Foreman.

We've lost games by slim margins basically in the final minute of the game and one in OT. We've been in a position to win. The players want to win. The coaches want to win. We don't even need to play perfect games, just cut out a few of the bone-headed things (coaches and players) and we win.
You have to remember that Davison and Bo ARE in FACT golf buddies. Davison is a little to close still to Bo to be objective. There is NO WAY IN HELL that with all the injuries we've had on defense that any sane person can expect much better than we've gotten. You can't throw a couple of freshmen linebackers, a walkon underclassmen linebacker, a banged up way less than 100% linebacker who doesnt' practice during the week, and freshman and backup defensive linemen out there and expect to successful on defense. TA's struggles these last two games are probably what disappoints me the most. IF he had just average games the last two weeks we win both of those games.
 
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Accountability folks. It looks like there is none between players and staff currently. That's why we're the most penalized and also why guys aren't playing to their full potential. All this crap about schemes, recruiting, and close games excuses ignores this major factor. It's also WHY we won 9 games under Bo (and won't anytime soon now...). That statement doesn't mean I love Bo...but it is a testament to how he got us to win rather than lose. Before blasting me on this opinion, please think hard about what I'm saying here....

GBR
 
Accountability folks. It looks like there is none between players and staff currently. That's why we're the most penalized and also why guys aren't playing to their full potential. All this crap about schemes, recruiting, and close games excuses ignores this major factor. It's also WHY we won 9 games under Bo (and won't anytime soon now...). That statement doesn't mean I love Bo...but it is a testament to how he got us to win rather than lose. Before blasting me on this opinion, please think hard about what I'm saying here....

GBR
Soooo that accountability under Bo was also why we got blasted by Wisconsin on multiple occasion? 9 wins whoopee. He got us to win with wins over a bunch of patsies. He got got to benefit from Suh and other Callahan recruits his first couplf of years and would have done no better this year with the mess he left.
 
What exactly is the evidence that shows this staff is going to do well here and win Big10 title(s)

I am looking for some concrete evidence anything no matter how small that gives a long time fan hope for better days ahead

Former players and the media pundits have basically said "its too early to tell either way". All of Husker nation doesn't know. Certainly half of us will be right and half of us will be wrong in some number of years, but there's nothing definitive on the table right now. Too many variables.
 
What better argument than from another doubter (I like to think of myself as objective).

I watched the Big Red Wrap Up following the Wiscy game. They talked about talent. Matt Davison said we have enough talent to win every game we've played. Blake Lawrence started talking about the two-deep. Matt Davison shut him down cold in his tracks. Davison says something along these lines (paraphrasing), "we're not talking about winning national championships, we're talking about winning against the teams we've played and the teams we will play". I agree with Davison. Jay Foreman was on Big Red Wrap Up a couple weeks ago, he said (again paraphrasing), "There are fundamentals problems, and these are correctable. Let's face it, it's not a talent issue anymore, we hear that rhetoric, we need to get the players to buy in". Here again, I agree with Jay Foreman.

We've lost games by slim margins basically in the final minute of the game and one in OT. We've been in a position to win. The players want to win. The coaches want to win. We don't even need to play perfect games, just cut out a few of the bone-headed things (coaches and players) and we win.

Zatechka's thread which I started, basically had Zatechka saying talent was an issue. So then are we going to debate who is the holier Husker, Zatechka vs Davison? Zatechka was not kind in his talent assessment.
 
I understand that argument against Pelini but I stand by my general statement. Remember that Bo's guys generally did pretty good at staying out trouble and attending school...that wasn't luck.

GBR
 
I don't want Bo Bo back either, but why discount winning 9 games. When we are home this year during bowl season I for one am going to wish we had at least 9 games. I always have thought it is much more fun when the Huskers win than lose, but if you guys don't might losing I guess that is your prerogative.

I guess I have to get use to the new normal. Blame the previous staff for every loss and bad player, compare our new recruits to those recruited by a very bad recruiter instead of one of the good recruiting teams, not get caught up with wins and losses, but be happy that we have a head coach and staff that everyone thinks have been winners and are good men and finally don't worry about going to bowls like the Outback, Gator, Holiday, etc. because they are meaningless. I've got it. Accept being in the bottom half.
 
Zatechka's thread which I started, basically had Zatechka saying talent was an issue. So then are we going to debate who is the holier Husker, Zatechka vs Davison? Zatechka was not kind in his talent assessment.

I listened to the Zatechka recording, thanks for posting that btw. No reason to debate it, different former players have different opinions, much the same as the fan base. I believe that our talent was/is not the underlying issue concerning our win-loss record. You may have different opinion, it just means we disagree.

The OP is asking for evidence that gives hope. Saying our players lack talent does not inspire hope in me.
 
I would like to be able to look at tproduct on the field and say " they are well coached just wait until we get his players in here" I am struggling with that thinking right now
The best way to get happy is to watch Youtube vids of the teams from 94-7. They were well-coached and absolute animals on the field. We will never see that again in Lincoln.
 
OK, here is some concrete evidence:

In recent past, too often when we got behind early, we folded like a tent and had our a$$ handed to us in an embarrassing fashion. The current team fights til the end.

Bo did not seem to give a rip about our traditions, or the fans for that matter. This staff appears to embrace all things Big Red.

Unlike Bo, our current head couch has a professional demeanor on, and off, the field.

The assistants actually have some football experience, no high school buddies or golf couches asked to take on challenging assignments.

Last, but not least, given the unbelievable gut punch endings to every loss this season to date, the staff calmly goes about teaching and being positive with the players. No spitting, no screaming, no public humiliation, just calmly projecting a positive take on the team and that they will strive to get better as a group.

PS - Patrick O'Brien may end up being a 4 year starter and one of our all-time best at QB.

(a glass half-full assessment for sure, but not all is lost, even for this season, better days are indeed ahead IMHO)
 
The best way to get happy is to watch Youtube vids of the teams from 94-7. They were well-coached and absolute animals on the field. We will never see that again in Lincoln.

NEVER is a pretty harsh word. I understand why you might say that and it might also be a while, but I'd never say never...

GBR
 
What exactly is the evidence that shows this staff is going to do well here and win Big10 title(s)

I am looking for some concrete evidence anything no matter how small that gives a long time fan hope for better days ahead

You're looking too soon for an evaluation. Sit back, relax, cheer, hope and wait. To take any other action, such as posting in social media to fire the staff, is a negative contribution to the program. If a star NFL player with a highly recruited son who is actually interested in playing here says it hurts recruiting (more than our current record does) I listen. I choose not to add react negatively. Time will tell and resolve itself whatever the future holds.
 
What exactly is the evidence that shows this staff is going to do well here and win Big10 title(s)

I am looking for some concrete evidence anything no matter how small that gives a long time fan hope for better days ahead

We don't have to worry about this clown pissing himself in a fit of rage...
18j56u4sn80q6jpg.jpg


But i'll just settle for not getting blown out and looking like a complete joke as Gordon runs for a zillion yards. Was that in year one of Bo's tenure??? We have a new coach who is battling a multiple front war. With enemies on the outside and from within. Bo had about one full year of good will even though he started burning bridges almost immediately. That's on him. Riley has lost four games in about as close as humanly possible. Unlike Bo's total humiliating beatdowns that never seemed to end. We clean up our coaching and the players get their heads in the game. Instead of remembering past ghosts of darker days we will be fine.
 
We don't have to worry about this clown pissing himself in a fit of rage...
18j56u4sn80q6jpg.jpg


But i'll just settle for not getting blown out and looking like a complete joke as Gordon runs for a zillion yards. Was that in year one of Bo's tenure??? We have a new coach who is battling a multiple front war. With enemies on the outside and from within. Bo had about one full year of good will even though he started burning bridges almost immediately. That's on him. Riley has lost four games in about as close as humanly possible. Unlike Bo's total humiliating beatdowns that never seemed to end. We clean up our coaching and the players get their heads in the game. Instead of remembering past ghosts of darker days we will be fine.

We havent even played the meat of our schedule...it will happen...last I checked, too, a loss is a loss. I cant believe people that are playing the moral victory game. Guess what we are going to be the NC of moral victories this year. Bo may have hotten blown out, but his teams bounced back. Did you know Bos teams only lost back to back tegular season games 3 or 4 times. And only one of those times was back to back to back early on. His teams bounced back the next game usually. Mike Rileys continue to do the same thing over and over. I was okay with letting go of Bo, but to get Riley as a replacement to " win the games that matter" is ridiculous
 
What exactly is the evidence that shows this staff is going to do well here and win Big10 title(s)

I am looking for some concrete evidence anything no matter how small that gives a long time fan hope for better days ahead
Ahhhh, you convince me he can't. 6 games, man.
 
We havent even played the meat of our schedule...it will happen...last I checked, too, a loss is a loss. I cant believe people that are playing the moral victory game. Guess what we are going to be the NC of moral victories this year. Bo may have hotten blown out, but his teams bounced back. Did you know Bos teams only lost back to back tegular season games 3 or 4 times. And only one of those times was back to back to back early on. His teams bounced back the next game usually. Mike Rileys continue to do the same thing over and over. I was okay with letting go of Bo, but to get Riley as a replacement to " win the games that matter" is ridiculous

This has zero to do with anything close to a moral victory. I want to see improvement. Our old staff never improved yet your gonna call out Riley after six games. Seriously... WTF is up with that???
 
What exactly is the evidence that shows this staff is going to do well here and win Big10 title(s)

I am looking for some concrete evidence anything no matter how small that gives a long time fan hope for better days ahead
We haven't gotten blown out by 30+. Yet. Convinced that previous teams (Bo) would have lost one of those games by double digits. But also convinced other teams (Bo) would have beaten Illinois
 
This has zero to do with anything close to a moral victory. I want to see improvement. Our old staff never improved yet your gonna call out Riley after six games. Seriously... WTF is up with that???

If 3 of these games played out differently, I wouldnt feel the way I do. Southern Miss we could close the door, Illinois -clock management and Langsdorf refusing to go with what was working (Ozigbo), Wisconsin - with us needing a first down we run it up the gut 3 straight times. To top it off on 3 and 7 we run a play that usually gets you 3 or 4 yards. (Im good with running it to burn their timeouts, but be a little more creative than running it up the gut 3 straight times with basically 11 guys in the box). This is why I feel the way I do. I was realistic after BYU that it was a fluke, and after Miami...I was slightly upset with the first half, but we played well the second half. Also we are dead last in pass D...that has me feeling like Banker needs to kick rocks.
 
We haven't gotten blown out by 30+. Yet. Convinced that previous teams (Bo) would have lost one of those games by double digits. But also convinced other teams (Bo) would have beaten Illinois

If Bo was still coach we'd be 1-5. Multiple blowout losses and the head scratching loss to Southern Miss. Bo dared Shawn to fire him for a reason. He knew the dumpster fire he was overseeing was about ready to explode. Thankfully we have a real coach dealing with the serious baggage left behind.
 
If Bo was still coach we'd be 1-5. Multiple blowout losses and the head scratching loss to Southern Miss. Bo dared Shawn to fire him for a reason. He knew the dumpster fire he was overseeing was about ready to explode. Thankfully we have a real coach dealing with the serious baggage left behind.

Based on what? Historical stats show otherwise. Real coach? We have Mr. Rogers.
 
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