Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: Can the Rams Stay Perfect on the Road?

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: Can the Rams Stay Perfect on the Road?

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction favors a competitive game, with UTSA’s home field balanced by Colorado State’s explosive offense and strong 2-0 start. Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction centers on two unbeaten teams meeting after very different Week 3 tests.

Colorado State travels to San Antonio on Saturday, September 26, to face UTSA at the Alamodome. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET, with the game selected for an ESPNU broadcast.

Both teams entered Week 3 at 2-0.

Colorado State opened the season with victories over Wyoming and Southern Utah. UTSA beat UTRGV 45-16 before defeating Texas State 31-26 on the road.

That makes this one of the more intriguing nonconference games on the September 26 schedule.

The matchup also comes with a useful historical wrinkle. UTSA beat Colorado State 17-16 in Fort Collins last season, while the Rams won the first two meetings in 2015 and 2016. The all-time series therefore stands 2-1 in Colorado State’s favor.

The bigger story, however, is what these teams have done in 2026.

Colorado State has transformed its offense under new head coach Jim Mora, with freshman quarterback Hauss Hejny producing nine touchdown passes through two games before the September 19 meeting with BYU. UTSA, meanwhile, has received strong quarterback play from senior Owen McCown and has already shown that it can win a road game.

That creates a fascinating handicap.

UTSA has the home-field advantage and enters its third consecutive game against a Texas opponent.

Colorado State brings an explosive passing attack and a 2-0 record.

The best Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction therefore requires more than simply looking at the records.

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction and Game Information

Category	Colorado State	UTSA
Date	September 26, 2026	September 26, 2026
Location	Alamodome, San Antonio	Alamodome, San Antonio
Kickoff	12 p.m. ET	12 p.m. ET
Conference	Pac-12	American
Record entering Week 4	2-0	2-0
Starting QB	Hauss Hejny	Owen McCown
Early 2026 offensive trend	High-scoring	Balanced, explosive
Previous meeting	Lost 17-16 in 2025	Won 17-16 in 2025
Series	2-1 CSU	1-2 UTSA
Projected Score	27	30

The official UTSA announcement confirms the September 26 matchup, its noon ET kickoff and ESPNU broadcast. It also notes that this will be the fourth meeting between the programs.

The current betting market has not established a dependable spread and total for this game yet. That makes the eventual opening number particularly important.

Rather than manufacture a consensus line, the most useful approach is to establish betting thresholds.

If UTSA is priced as a modest home favorite, the Roadrunners deserve serious consideration.

If the market moves toward a larger number, Colorado State’s offensive production makes the Rams more interesting with the points.

Colorado State’s Offense Has Become the Story

The biggest change for Colorado State is its offensive production.

The Rams averaged only 18.5 points per game last season, ranking 124th nationally, according to CBS Sports’ September 18 preview.

Through two games in 2026, that number had jumped to 46.5 points per game.

That is an enormous difference.

Much of the improvement has come from freshman quarterback Hauss Hejny.

Before the BYU game, Hejny had completed 41 of 63 passes for 539 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. He also had 124 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground.

His 65.1% completion rate is particularly encouraging.

He is not simply accumulating numbers by throwing constantly.

Colorado State has also been efficient with explosive plays.

CBS Sports reported that Hejny was averaging 10.7 yards per attempt entering the BYU game.

That is exactly the type of quarterback efficiency that can create problems for UTSA.

The Roadrunners cannot simply load the box to stop the run.

If they do, Hejny has demonstrated the arm strength and accuracy to attack one-on-one coverage.

That dynamic sits at the center of this Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction.

Hauss Hejny Gives Colorado State a Different Ceiling

Hejny’s emergence has changed the way Colorado State should be evaluated.

The Rams entered the season with questions surrounding the offense after last year’s production.

Two games later, the quarterback position looks considerably more stable.

Hejny has spread the football around effectively.

CBS Sports noted before the BYU game that three Colorado State receivers already had at least eight receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

That distribution is important.

A defense cannot simply remove one receiver and expect the offense to stop functioning.

If one target receives extra attention, Hejny can work elsewhere.

It also makes the Rams difficult to prepare for on short notice.

UTSA will have a full week to prepare, but Colorado State’s offensive balance means the Roadrunners have to account for multiple possibilities.

Hejny can throw.

He can run.

And Colorado State has a running game capable of forcing defenses to respect the box.

That is a strong foundation for an underdog.

Colorado State Has Been Explosive on the Ground

The passing numbers receive most of the attention, but Colorado State has also established an effective rushing attack.

Jayden Brown, a UConn transfer, averaged 13.4 yards per carry through the first two games entering the BYU matchup.

That is an eye-catching number.

Obviously, it is based on a very small sample.

It should not be projected blindly over an entire season.

But it demonstrates that Colorado State has the ability to create explosive rushing plays.

That matters against UTSA.

If the Roadrunners focus heavily on Hejny and the passing game, Colorado State can attack with the run.

If UTSA commits additional defenders to stop Brown and the rushing attack, Hejny gets more favorable throwing opportunities.

The Rams therefore have multiple ways to move the football.

UTSA Has Its Own Offensive Weapon in Owen McCown

The Roadrunners counter with an experienced quarterback.

Owen McCown entered 2026 as one of the most important players on the UTSA roster, and he was named to the Maxwell Award watch list during the preseason.

Through the first two games, McCown had completed 50 of 69 passes for 489 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions, producing a 151.1 passer rating.

The zero interceptions stand out.

Turnover-free quarterback play gives UTSA a significant advantage in close games.

The Roadrunners have already demonstrated that they can win away from home.

They defeated Texas State 31-26 in San Marcos on September 12 after opening the season with a 45-16 victory over UTRGV.

McCown therefore enters this matchup with confidence and experience.

That gives UTSA a strong response to Colorado State’s young quarterback.

UTSA’s Road Win Matters

The Texas State victory deserves attention.

UTSA did not dominate from start to finish.

Instead, the Roadrunners won 31-26 in a competitive road game.

That is valuable experience for a team preparing to host Colorado State.

The Roadrunners had to handle an unfamiliar environment, maintain offensive efficiency and protect their lead.

They also had to deal with Texas State’s ability to create offensive pressure.

Winning that type of game provides useful evidence about UTSA’s ability to function outside the Alamodome.

The problem for this Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction is that Colorado State may present a more dangerous passing attack than either of UTSA’s first two opponents.

That makes the defensive side of the ball extremely important.

UTSA’s Defense Must Slow Hejny

The Roadrunners cannot allow Hejny to establish rhythm early.

If Colorado State begins the game completing short passes and producing explosive plays, UTSA could be forced into a difficult defensive strategy.

The Roadrunners will want to create obvious passing situations.

That means stopping the run on early downs.

If Colorado State consistently faces second-and-long or third-and-long, UTSA can unleash pressure.

If the Rams remain ahead of the chains, Hejny can use the entire playbook.

That difference could determine whether Colorado State stays within a potential spread.

Colorado State’s Defense Is the Bigger Question

While Colorado State’s offense has been impressive, the defense remains more difficult to evaluate.

The Rams have allowed 37 points in two games according to their early-season results, but the quality of competition changes significantly against UTSA.

CBS Sports noted that Colorado State had already shown improvement in several defensive categories entering its BYU game, including 15 tackles for loss and 12 passes defended through two games.

Third-down defense is another encouraging development.

That is important because UTSA’s offense is capable of extending drives with McCown’s efficiency.

If Colorado State gets off the field consistently, it can keep the Roadrunners from controlling possession.

If UTSA converts third downs at a high rate, the Rams could spend too much time defending.

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: The Line of Scrimmage

This matchup could ultimately be decided at the line of scrimmage.

UTSA has a veteran quarterback and home-field advantage.

Colorado State has an explosive quarterback and a new offensive identity.

Neither advantage matters if one team consistently wins first down.

Colorado State needs to stay ahead of the chains.

UTSA needs to create negative plays.

That makes sacks and tackles for loss particularly important.

The team that wins early downs should have more control over the game script.

If Colorado State regularly faces third-and-8 or longer, UTSA’s defensive speed becomes much more dangerous.

If the Rams create manageable third downs, Hejny can remain aggressive.

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: Previous Meeting

The most recent meeting provides a useful warning about assuming this matchup will be one-sided.

UTSA defeated Colorado State 17-16 on September 20, 2025, in Fort Collins.

The Roadrunners survived a one-point game despite being on the road.

The teams have now met three times.

Colorado State won the first two meetings, beating UTSA 33-31 in 2015 and 23-14 in 2016.

UTSA’s 2025 victory changed the immediate series momentum.

The historical results suggest competitiveness rather than a consistent dominance pattern.

That matters when evaluating a potentially large spread.

The matchup has already produced two one-score games.

The 2025 game was decided by one point.

UTSA Has Home-Field Advantage

The location changes the equation this year.

Last season’s game was in Fort Collins.

This year’s game is at the Alamodome.

UTSA will have the benefit of playing in its home stadium, and that is meaningful for a team coming off an emotional road game at Texas.

The schedule also gives the Roadrunners an unusual sequence.

UTSA played Texas State on September 12, traveled to No. 1 Texas on September 19, and then returns home to face Colorado State on September 26.

That means the Texas game could influence the physical and emotional state of the team.

Depending on the result against Texas, the Roadrunners could enter the Colorado State game either carrying significant momentum or needing to recover from a difficult matchup.

That uncertainty is one reason not to lock into an aggressive spread position before the Texas game is completed.

The Texas Game Is a Major Variable

UTSA’s September 19 matchup against No. 1 Texas is the biggest unknown surrounding this game.

UTSA entered that contest 2-0 after wins over UTRGV and Texas State. Texas also entered 2-0 and had moved to No. 1 after defeating Ohio State.

The Texas game could have several effects.

First, it could expose weaknesses in UTSA’s offensive line.

Second, it could force McCown to absorb significant physical punishment.

Third, it could require UTSA’s defense to play a large number of snaps.

Fourth, it could affect the team’s confidence heading into the Colorado State game.

That does not mean the Texas result automatically predicts the September 26 outcome.

It simply means the game should be part of the handicap.

Colorado State’s BYU Game Is Equally Important

Colorado State also has a major September 19 test.

The Rams host No. 11/13 BYU in Fort Collins before traveling to UTSA.

That means both teams are facing ranked opponents immediately before this matchup.

The result creates a fascinating scheduling situation.

Colorado State could arrive in San Antonio after playing an extremely physical game against BYU.

UTSA could arrive after playing No. 1 Texas.

The September 26 matchup could therefore feature two teams coming off their toughest games of the season.

That increases the importance of depth and recovery.

It also makes pregame injury reports particularly relevant.

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: Moneyline Outlook

The moneyline is likely to be the simplest market to evaluate.

UTSA deserves respect at home.

The Roadrunners are 2-0 and have already won on the road.

McCown has not thrown an interception through the first two games, and the offense has produced 76 points.

Colorado State, however, has an equally impressive 2-0 record.

The Rams have scored 93 points through their first two games entering the BYU matchup, including 58 against Southern Utah.

The biggest question is how each team performs after its September 19 game.

If UTSA returns from Austin healthy and efficient, its home-field advantage becomes significant.

If the Roadrunners are physically worn down, Colorado State’s explosive offense becomes more dangerous.

The preferred moneyline side is therefore UTSA, but the price needs to remain reasonable.

Should You Bet UTSA on the Moneyline?

UTSA has a straightforward case.

The Roadrunners are unbeaten.

They have a veteran quarterback.

They are playing at home.

They have already won on the road.

And they defeated Colorado State in last year’s meeting.

Those are meaningful advantages.

However, the Rams are not a typical underdog.

They have scored at an elite early-season rate and have a quarterback who has produced nine touchdown passes in his first two games.

That makes an expensive UTSA moneyline less attractive.

The preferred approach is to wait for the market number.

If UTSA is offered at a modest favorite price, the Roadrunners become more appealing.

If the market makes UTSA a substantial favorite, Colorado State deserves more consideration.

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: Spread Outlook

The spread could be the most important market.

Because both teams are unbeaten, the market should not automatically price this as a large mismatch.

Colorado State has already shown that its offense can produce points quickly.

UTSA has shown that it can win close games.

That combination points toward a relatively competitive spread.

If UTSA is favored by less than a touchdown, the Roadrunners become more interesting.

If the number reaches a touchdown or more, Colorado State’s ability to score becomes increasingly valuable.

The Rams do not need to win outright to cash a spread ticket.

They simply need to keep the game within the market’s number.

The Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction therefore leans toward Colorado State +points if the spread becomes inflated.

Why Colorado State Could Cover

The Rams have the offensive profile needed to stay within a number.

Hejny has already demonstrated that he can push the football downfield.

The offense has multiple receiving options.

The running game has produced explosive plays.

And Colorado State has shown an ability to score in bunches.

That is a valuable combination for an underdog.

Even if UTSA wins, Colorado State can cover if the game remains competitive into the fourth quarter.

A 31-27 UTSA victory, for example, would reward a Rams spread position at a sufficiently large number.

The main threat is turnovers.

If Colorado State gives UTSA short fields, the Roadrunners can build a lead quickly.

Why UTSA Could Cover

UTSA’s path is based on offensive efficiency and defensive pressure.

McCown has been extremely efficient early in the season.

He completed 72.5% of his passes for 489 yards and four touchdowns without an interception through two games.

That level of quarterback efficiency is difficult to fade.

If UTSA runs successfully, Colorado State will have to commit defenders to the box.

That creates opportunities for McCown.

The Roadrunners also have home-field advantage.

If they establish control early, Colorado State could be forced into a pass-heavy game script.

That is where UTSA’s defensive front could make the difference.

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: Over or Under?

The total will require similar price sensitivity.

Colorado State averaged 46.5 points per game through two contests entering the BYU game.

UTSA had scored 45 and 31 points in its first two games.

That creates an obvious argument for the Over.

Both offenses have quarterbacks capable of producing explosive plays.

Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score quickly.

The concern is the quality of competition.

Colorado State’s numbers came before its game against BYU.

UTSA’s numbers came before its game against No. 1 Texas.

Those two September 19 games provide much better information about how these offenses perform against stronger defenses.

Therefore, an Over is most attractive if the market posts a total in the low-to-mid 50s.

If the number climbs into the 60s, the value becomes much less obvious.

Why the Over Could Hit

The first argument is quarterback play.

Hejny has nine touchdown passes through two games.

McCown has four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Both quarterbacks have demonstrated efficiency.

The second argument is explosiveness.

Colorado State has multiple receivers capable of producing chunk plays.

UTSA has also demonstrated that it can move the football efficiently.

The third argument is game script.

If UTSA takes a lead, Colorado State is likely to remain aggressive.

If Colorado State takes a lead, UTSA has the quarterback experience to respond.

That creates a potential back-and-forth game.

Why the Under Could Hit

The Under becomes more attractive if the market posts an inflated number.

Both teams could enter this game physically taxed after facing ranked opponents the previous week.

That matters.

If the September 19 games create injuries along the offensive line or at quarterback, the offensive projections could change quickly.

There is also the possibility that both coaching staffs emphasize ball control.

A close game could produce longer drives and fewer possessions.

That would make it difficult for the teams to reach an extremely high total.

The key is therefore not simply whether these offenses are capable of scoring.

They clearly are.

The question is how many possessions they are likely to receive.

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: Players to Watch

Hauss Hejny

Hejny is the most important player on the Colorado State side.

He entered the BYU game with 539 passing yards, nine touchdown passes and only one interception.

His development will determine how high Colorado State’s offensive ceiling can go.

Owen McCown

McCown provides the experience advantage.

He entered the September 19 game with 489 passing yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

If he maintains that efficiency, UTSA will be difficult to beat.

Jayden Brown

Brown gives Colorado State a rushing threat capable of changing defensive alignments.

His 13.4 yards per carry through two games was an explosive early-season figure.

UTSA’s Running Game

The Roadrunners need to establish the run to prevent Colorado State from focusing entirely on McCown.

The ground game will also help UTSA control possession after returning from its Texas game.

Coaching Matchup

Jim Mora brings significant experience to Colorado State.

His arrival was one of the biggest changes to the program entering 2026.

The Rams have already shown a major offensive improvement.

The 46.5 points-per-game figure through two games is dramatically higher than last year’s 18.5-point average.

Jeff Traylor has already established UTSA as a consistent winner.

The Roadrunners have made six consecutive bowl games entering this season, and they opened 2026 with a 2-0 record.

That experience matters.

Traylor’s teams have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to remain competitive against higher-level opponents.

Mora is trying to build that same consistency at Colorado State.

This game is therefore also an interesting coaching matchup.

What Could Go Wrong With a Colorado State Bet?

The first concern is UTSA’s home field.

The Alamodome gives the Roadrunners a meaningful environment advantage.

The second is the quality of Colorado State’s defense.

The Rams’ offense has received most of the attention, but UTSA has enough offensive firepower to exploit defensive weaknesses.

The third is Hejny’s experience.

He is a freshman quarterback facing a road game against an experienced opponent.

Finally, the Rams will be coming off a difficult BYU matchup.

The physical toll of that game could affect their performance.

What Could Go Wrong With a UTSA Bet?

The biggest concern is the Texas game.

UTSA could enter September 26 physically depleted.

The Roadrunners are facing the No. 1 team in the country immediately before Colorado State.

The second concern is Colorado State’s offense.

Hejny has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country through two games.

The third concern is the potential spread.

A talented team can win while failing to cover if the market gives it too many points to overcome.

That is why the number matters more than the team name.

Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction: Best Bet

The preferred outright side is UTSA, assuming the Roadrunners return from Texas without major injury concerns and the moneyline remains reasonable.

For the spread, Colorado State +7 or better would be the preferred threshold.

For the total, Over 55 or better would be the preferred starting point, although the September 19 results and injury reports should be incorporated before finalizing that position.

These are thresholds rather than claims about a currently posted consensus line.

The market had not yet established a dependable number for the September 26 matchup when this analysis was prepared.

Projected Score: UTSA 30, Colorado State 27

The projected score for this Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction is UTSA 30, Colorado State 27.

That score reflects a competitive game.

UTSA wins because of home field, quarterback experience and the ability to control more possessions.

Colorado State stays close because Hejny’s passing ability creates explosive opportunities.

The 27-point projection for Colorado State also reflects the team’s early offensive production without simply extrapolating its 46.5-point average over an entire season.

UTSA’s defense should be stronger than the defenses Colorado State faced in its opening two games.

Likewise, Colorado State’s defense should have a better chance to slow UTSA than Texas State did.

The result is a game in which both teams score but neither completely controls the contest.

Betting Card

Market	Preferred Approach
Moneyline	UTSA at a reasonable price
Spread	Colorado State +7 or better
Total	Over 55 or better
Projected Score	UTSA 30, Colorado State 27
Key QB	Hauss Hejny / Owen McCown
Biggest Variable	September 19 injury and fatigue effects
Main Betting Risk	UTSA’s game against No. 1 Texas

The Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction is therefore built around a competitive game rather than a mismatch.

The Rams have enough offensive firepower to stay involved.

The Roadrunners have enough experience and home-field advantage to finish the job.

How the Game Could Play Out

The first quarter could be relatively balanced.

Colorado State should test UTSA vertically while also using the running game to prevent the Roadrunners from attacking Hejny with constant pressure.

UTSA should counter with McCown’s efficient passing and an attempt to establish the run.

The middle quarters could become more explosive.

If either defense gives up a short field, the score could move quickly.

The fourth quarter is where UTSA’s experience may matter.

A one-score game late favors the team with the more experienced quarterback and home-field advantage.

That is the primary reason the projection gives UTSA a three-point victory rather than selecting Colorado State outright.

Why Colorado State Can Make This a One-Score Game

The Rams have already demonstrated that they can create offensive pressure.

They scored 35 against Wyoming and 58 against Southern Utah before facing BYU.

That level of production cannot be ignored.

Even if the schedule has not provided a full test of the offense yet, Hejny’s efficiency is legitimate.

He has completed 65.1% of his passes and thrown nine touchdowns against only one interception through two games.

A quarterback producing at that level can keep an underdog competitive.

The challenge is doing it against a more experienced UTSA defense in a road environment.

Why UTSA Can Finish the Job

UTSA has already demonstrated that it can win close games away from home.

The Roadrunners beat Texas State 31-26 in San Marcos.

McCown completed 72.5% of his passes through the first two games without throwing an interception.

That combination gives UTSA a reliable offensive foundation.

The Roadrunners do not need to score 40 points.

If the defense can hold Colorado State below 30, UTSA should have a strong chance to win.

Home field then becomes the final piece of the equation.

A Potential Rematch of Last Year’s Thriller

The 2025 game ended 17-16.

That result is worth remembering because it demonstrates how closely these programs can match up.

This year’s game has a very different offensive profile.

Both teams are scoring at much higher rates early in the season.

That makes another 17-16 result less likely.

However, the one-point margin illustrates why a large spread could be difficult to justify.

The programs have already demonstrated that they can play a competitive game.

Final Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction

The Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction favors UTSA to win a competitive home game, with the Roadrunners projected to defeat Colorado State 30-27.

The Rams enter the matchup with one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the country.

Hauss Hejny produced 539 passing yards and nine touchdowns through Colorado State’s first two games, while the Rams averaged 46.5 points per game during that opening stretch.

UTSA has an equally compelling quarterback.

Owen McCown entered the September 19 game with 489 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

The difference is experience, venue and the ability to win a close game.

UTSA will play at the Alamodome, where it will have the benefit of its home crowd.

The Roadrunners also beat Colorado State 17-16 in last year’s meeting.

However, Colorado State’s offensive improvement makes a large UTSA spread difficult to trust.

The preferred spread threshold is therefore Colorado State +7 or better.

The total is similarly dependent on the number.

The early offensive production from both teams creates an Over case, but the quality of the defenses they face on September 19 could significantly change the final projection.

The projected result remains:

UTSA 30, Colorado State 27.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is favored in the Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction?

UTSA is the preferred side in the outright matchup because the Roadrunners are playing at home and have a more experienced quarterback in Owen McCown.

2. When is Colorado State vs UTSA?

Colorado State visits UTSA on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The game is scheduled for ESPNU.

3. What is the projected score?

The projected score is UTSA 30, Colorado State 27.

4. What is the best bet for Colorado State vs UTSA?

UTSA is the preferred moneyline side at a reasonable price. Colorado State +7 or better is the preferred spread threshold.

5. Can Colorado State cover a large spread?

Yes. Colorado State’s offense has shown significant explosive potential, and Hauss Hejny has thrown nine touchdown passes through two games.

6. How has Colorado State started the 2026 season?

Colorado State opened 2-0 with wins over Wyoming and Southern Utah before facing BYU on September 19. The Rams scored 35 against Wyoming and 58 against Southern Utah.

7. How has UTSA started the 2026 season?

UTSA opened 2-0 with a 45-16 win over UTRGV and a 31-26 road win over Texas State.

8. Who are the key quarterbacks?

Colorado State is led by Hauss Hejny, while UTSA is led by Owen McCown. Hejny entered the September 19 game with 539 passing yards and nine touchdowns, while McCown had 489 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

9. Who won the last Colorado State vs UTSA game?

UTSA defeated Colorado State 17-16 on September 20, 2025, in Fort Collins. The Rams won the first two meetings in 2015 and 2016.

10. What is the final Colorado State vs UTSA Betting Prediction?

The final prediction is UTSA to win 30-27. UTSA is the preferred moneyline side, while Colorado State +7 or better is the preferred spread threshold.

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