BAMANEWSBOT
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Alabama and Clemson played in the College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T for the second straight season on Monday night.
It was another championship game classic between these two teams, as the Tigers avenged last season's loss with a thrilling come-from-behind 35-31 win to prevent the Tide from finishing 15-0 and defending their title.
Will the Crimson Tide or the Tigers be back again after the 2017 season?
Now that the 2016 season has come to a close, let's take a quick glance ahead with the inaugural 2017 Way-Too-Early Top 25. (Underclassmen have until Jan. 16 to declare for the NFL draft, so returning starters numbers subject to change.)
1. Alabama
2016 record: 14-1, 8-0 SEC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: TE O.J. Howard, DE Jonathan Allen, DE Dalvin Tomlinson, LB Tim Williams, LB Ryan Anderson, LB Reuben Foster, S Eddie Jackson
Outlook: The Crimson Tide might have as many as six players selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, which would tie the record set by Miami in 2004, so coach Nick Saban will have some work to do. Several seniors from a menacing defense played their last game for the Tide in Tampa, and it's likely that underclassmen such as OT Cam Robinson and CB Marlon Humphrey will leave early for the NFL. But Alabama reloads better than anyone else in the country, and there are plenty of former five-star recruits waiting to step forward. Quarterback Jalen Hurts should be better in his second season as a starter, and former Washington and USC coach Steve Sarkisian takes over as the Tide's offensive coordinator. Alabama opens the 2017 season against Florida State in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, and its most difficult road games might be at Texas A&M and Auburn.
For more on how the Tide will look in 2017, check out Alabama's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2. Florida State
2016 record: 10-3, 5-3 ACC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 9 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: RB Dalvin Cook, WR Kermit Whitfield, WR Jesus Wilson, G Kareem Are, DE DeMarcus Walker, CB Marquez White
Outlook: Since Clemson is losing star quarterback Deshaun Watson and a boatload of other starters, Florida State might be primed to retake the ACC in 2017. Star tailback Dalvin Cook will be sorely missed, but quarterback Deondre Francois was sensational in his first season as a starter. FSU's workhorse back next season could be sophomore Jacques Patrick or incoming freshman Cam Akers, who is enrolling early. Junior OT Roderick Johnson has yet to decide if he will return for his senior season or declare for the NFL draft. Most of the Seminoles' defensive starters will be back, including safety Derwin James, who missed much of 2016 with a knee injury, but FSU will really miss DeMarcus Walker's pass-rushing skills (16 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss). FSU opens the season against Alabama in Atlanta and plays Clemson on the road in ACC play, but Louisville and Miami will travel to Tallahassee next season.
For more on how the Seminoles will look in 2017, check out Florida State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
3. USC
2016 record: 10-3, 7-2 Pac-12
Returning starters: 6 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR Darreus Rogers, OT Chad Wheeler, OT Zach Banner, G Damien Mama, NT Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, SS Leon McQuay III
Outlook: After nearly being run out of Hollywood early in the season, coach Clay Helton produced quite a turnaround. After a 1-3 start, the Trojans won their last eight regular-season games and had a thrilling comeback in a 52-49 win over Penn State in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold directed the rebound, and he'll be back with at least five other starters on offense. After throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns in 10 starts, Darnold might be the Heisman Trophy favorite heading into 2017. The Trojans will miss junior JuJu Smith-Schuster and Darreus Rogers, their top two receivers, as well as starting tackles Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner. DB/KR Adoree' Jackson has yet to announce his NFL intentions. USC will play one of the most difficult nonconference schedules in the FBS in 2017, including home games against Western Michigan and Texas and a road trip to Notre Dame.
For more on how the Trojans will look in 2017, check out USC's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
4. Penn State
2016 record: 11-3, 8-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: C Brian Gaia, WR Chris Godwin, DE Evan Schwan, LB Brandon Bell, SS Malik Golden, OT Paris Palmer, DE Garrett Sickels
Outlook: The Nittany Lions' dramatic turnaround in 2016 -- they won their final eight regular-season games and beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game -- should serve as a big springboard to 2017. Leading receiver Chris Godwin opted to leave early for the NFL draft, but most of Penn State's starters on offense will return, including star tailback Saquon Barkley and quarterback Trace McSorley. Both will be top Heisman Trophy candidates. Plus, PSU will get back a few offensive linemen who were hurt for the stretch run. Four of the defense's most productive players are departing -- defensive ends Evan Schwan and Garrett Sickels, linebacker Brandon Bell and strong safety Malik Golden -- but everyone else is expected back. The Nittany Lions will have to navigate their way through a difficult Big Ten road schedule that includes trips to Iowa, Northwestern, Ohio State and Michigan State.
For more on how the Nittany Lions will look in 2017, check out Penn State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
5. Clemson
2016 record: 14-1, 7-1 ACC
Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: QB Deshaun Watson, WR Mike Williams, WR Artavis Scott, C Jay Guillermo, TE Jordan Leggett, RB Wayne Gallman, DT Carlos Watkins, LB Ben Boulware, SS Jadar Johnson, CB Cordrea Tankersley
Outlook: After guiding the Tigers to back-to-back appearances in the CFP National Championship, coach Dabo Swinney faces a rebuilding job in 2017. But Clemson has recruited as well as anyone outside of maybe Alabama, and the Tigers have plenty of young players ready to step up. Sophomore QB Kelly Bryant, who attempted 18 passes the past two seasons combined, is the favorite to replace Watson, who leaves as arguably the best player in school history. The Tigers will also have to replace leading rusher Wayne Gallman and top wideouts Mike Williams and Artavis Scott, who are all expected to enter the NFL draft as juniors. The personnel losses on defense aren't as heavy -- not with Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell returning to anchor the defensive line -- but linebacker Ben Boulware and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins will be missed. The Tigers will play Florida State at home and Louisville and Virginia Tech on the road during ACC play, along with a difficult nonconference home game against Auburn.
For more on how the Tigers will look in 2017, check out Clemson's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
6. Ohio State
2016 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: C Pat Elflein, CB Gareon Conley, RB Curtis Samuel, WR Noah Brown, S Malik Hooker, LB, Raekwon McMillan, P Cameron Johnston, K Tyler Durbin
Outlook: Even after the Buckeyes' unsightly 31-0 loss to Clemson in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, there's no debate they were probably a year ahead of schedule in 2016. Even after losing 12 players to the NFL draft, including 10 who were selected in the first three rounds, coach Urban Meyer guided the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years. With nine starters coming back on offense and eight on defense, Ohio State looks loaded for 2017. Quarterback J.T. Barrett must improve dramatically, and the Buckeyes must improve at wide receiver. Co-offensive coordinator Tim Beck is leaving for Texas, which might be the first of a few moves on Meyer's staff. Former Indiana coach Kevin Wilson has reportedly been hired to replace Beck, and Ryan Day will be the new quarterbacks coach. OSU plays a nonconference game against Oklahoma and Big Ten road contests at Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan.
For more on how the Buckeyes will look in 2017, check out Ohio State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
7. Oklahoma State
2016 record: 10-3, 7-2 Big 12
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: DT Vincent Taylor, WR Jhajuan Seales, LT Victor Salako, DT Motekiai Maile, LB Jordan Burton, LB Devante Averette, FS Jordan Sterns
Outlook: The Pokes will have to rebuild their defense after losing top tacklers Jordan Sterns and Devante Averette plus star defensive tackle Vincent Taylor, who is entering the NFL draft as a junior. But with quarterback Mason Rudolph and receiver James Washington announcing they'll return for their senior seasons, Oklahoma State might have one of the country's most high-powered offenses in 2017. Coach Mike Gundy has guided the Pokes to 10-win seasons in five of the past seven years, and after back-to-back second-place finishes in the Big 12, they might be ready to challenge Oklahoma for the title. They'll get to play the Sooners at home in the Bedlam game next season, and the Pokes will also host TCU, Baylor and Kansas State in Big 12 play.
For more on how the Cowboys will look in 2017, check out Oklahoma State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
8. Washington
2016 record: 12-2, 8-1 Pac-12
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: WR John Ross, G Jake Eldrenkamp, G Shane Brostek, DE Joe Mathis, LB Psalm Wooching, DT Elijah Qualls, S Budda Baker, CB Kevin King, CB Sidney Jones
Outlook: We figured it was only a matter of time until coach Chris Petersen built a playoff contender at Washington, and it happened this season. After losing six games in each of his first two seasons in Seattle, Petersen guided the Huskies to a Pac-12 championship and CFP berth. With quarterback Jake Browning and tailback Myles Gaskin coming back, the Huskies will be big favorites to win the Pac-12 North again in 2017. However, they will have to replace several key contributors on defense. Washington's nonconference schedule isn't very challenging, with a road game at Rutgers and home games against FCS foe Montana and Fresno State. Plus, the Huskies won't play USC during the regular season and will play Utah and Washington State at home.
For more on how the Huskies will look in 2017, check out Washington's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
9. Wisconsin
2016 record: 11-3, 7-2 Big Ten
Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: WR Robert Wheelwright, , QB Bart Houston, RB Corey Clement, LB Vince Biegel, LB T.J. Watt, FS Leo Musso, CB Sojourn Shelton, K Andrew Endicott
Outlook: Even after the disappointing loss to Penn State in the Big Ten championship game, the Badgers enjoyed a very special -- and unexpected -- season. With a senior-laden defense and quarterback Alex Hornibrook returning, Wisconsin will be a heavy favorite to win the Big Ten West again. The Badgers are expected to get back injured linebackers Jack Cichy and Chris Orr on defense, and redshirt freshman Bradrick Shaw and junior Chris James are in line to take over at tailback. OT Ryan Ramczyk might declare for the NFL draft. Wisconsin's 2017 schedule might set the Badgers up for another Big Ten title run; they don't play Michigan State, Ohio State or Penn State during the regular season, and they host Iowa and Michigan in November.
For more on how the Badgers will look in 2017, check out Wisconsin's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings
10. Oklahoma
2016 record: 11-2, 9-0 Big 12
Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Dede Westbrook, RB Joe Mixon, RB Samaje Perine, DT Jordan Wade, DE Austin Roberts, LB Jordan Evans, FS Ahmad Thomas
Outlook: With quarterback Baker Mayfield returning for his senior season, the Sooners are in position to win a third consecutive Big 12 championship -- even with tailbacks Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine both leaving early. All five starters are expected to return on the offensive line, but the Sooners will have to replace All-America wideout Dede Westbrook's production, which won't be easy. OU's defense played better down the stretch, and as many as seven starters might return. OU will have to survive an early road trip at Ohio State as well as Big 12 road trips to Kansas State and Oklahoma State.
For more on how the Sooners will look in 2017, check out Oklahoma's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
It was another championship game classic between these two teams, as the Tigers avenged last season's loss with a thrilling come-from-behind 35-31 win to prevent the Tide from finishing 15-0 and defending their title.
Will the Crimson Tide or the Tigers be back again after the 2017 season?
Now that the 2016 season has come to a close, let's take a quick glance ahead with the inaugural 2017 Way-Too-Early Top 25. (Underclassmen have until Jan. 16 to declare for the NFL draft, so returning starters numbers subject to change.)
1. Alabama
2016 record: 14-1, 8-0 SEC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: TE O.J. Howard, DE Jonathan Allen, DE Dalvin Tomlinson, LB Tim Williams, LB Ryan Anderson, LB Reuben Foster, S Eddie Jackson
Outlook: The Crimson Tide might have as many as six players selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, which would tie the record set by Miami in 2004, so coach Nick Saban will have some work to do. Several seniors from a menacing defense played their last game for the Tide in Tampa, and it's likely that underclassmen such as OT Cam Robinson and CB Marlon Humphrey will leave early for the NFL. But Alabama reloads better than anyone else in the country, and there are plenty of former five-star recruits waiting to step forward. Quarterback Jalen Hurts should be better in his second season as a starter, and former Washington and USC coach Steve Sarkisian takes over as the Tide's offensive coordinator. Alabama opens the 2017 season against Florida State in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, and its most difficult road games might be at Texas A&M and Auburn.
For more on how the Tide will look in 2017, check out Alabama's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
2. Florida State
2016 record: 10-3, 5-3 ACC
Returning starters: 7 offense, 9 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: RB Dalvin Cook, WR Kermit Whitfield, WR Jesus Wilson, G Kareem Are, DE DeMarcus Walker, CB Marquez White
Outlook: Since Clemson is losing star quarterback Deshaun Watson and a boatload of other starters, Florida State might be primed to retake the ACC in 2017. Star tailback Dalvin Cook will be sorely missed, but quarterback Deondre Francois was sensational in his first season as a starter. FSU's workhorse back next season could be sophomore Jacques Patrick or incoming freshman Cam Akers, who is enrolling early. Junior OT Roderick Johnson has yet to decide if he will return for his senior season or declare for the NFL draft. Most of the Seminoles' defensive starters will be back, including safety Derwin James, who missed much of 2016 with a knee injury, but FSU will really miss DeMarcus Walker's pass-rushing skills (16 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss). FSU opens the season against Alabama in Atlanta and plays Clemson on the road in ACC play, but Louisville and Miami will travel to Tallahassee next season.
For more on how the Seminoles will look in 2017, check out Florida State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
3. USC
2016 record: 10-3, 7-2 Pac-12
Returning starters: 6 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR Darreus Rogers, OT Chad Wheeler, OT Zach Banner, G Damien Mama, NT Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, SS Leon McQuay III
Outlook: After nearly being run out of Hollywood early in the season, coach Clay Helton produced quite a turnaround. After a 1-3 start, the Trojans won their last eight regular-season games and had a thrilling comeback in a 52-49 win over Penn State in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold directed the rebound, and he'll be back with at least five other starters on offense. After throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns in 10 starts, Darnold might be the Heisman Trophy favorite heading into 2017. The Trojans will miss junior JuJu Smith-Schuster and Darreus Rogers, their top two receivers, as well as starting tackles Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner. DB/KR Adoree' Jackson has yet to announce his NFL intentions. USC will play one of the most difficult nonconference schedules in the FBS in 2017, including home games against Western Michigan and Texas and a road trip to Notre Dame.
For more on how the Trojans will look in 2017, check out USC's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
4. Penn State
2016 record: 11-3, 8-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: C Brian Gaia, WR Chris Godwin, DE Evan Schwan, LB Brandon Bell, SS Malik Golden, OT Paris Palmer, DE Garrett Sickels
Outlook: The Nittany Lions' dramatic turnaround in 2016 -- they won their final eight regular-season games and beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game -- should serve as a big springboard to 2017. Leading receiver Chris Godwin opted to leave early for the NFL draft, but most of Penn State's starters on offense will return, including star tailback Saquon Barkley and quarterback Trace McSorley. Both will be top Heisman Trophy candidates. Plus, PSU will get back a few offensive linemen who were hurt for the stretch run. Four of the defense's most productive players are departing -- defensive ends Evan Schwan and Garrett Sickels, linebacker Brandon Bell and strong safety Malik Golden -- but everyone else is expected back. The Nittany Lions will have to navigate their way through a difficult Big Ten road schedule that includes trips to Iowa, Northwestern, Ohio State and Michigan State.
For more on how the Nittany Lions will look in 2017, check out Penn State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
5. Clemson
2016 record: 14-1, 7-1 ACC
Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: QB Deshaun Watson, WR Mike Williams, WR Artavis Scott, C Jay Guillermo, TE Jordan Leggett, RB Wayne Gallman, DT Carlos Watkins, LB Ben Boulware, SS Jadar Johnson, CB Cordrea Tankersley
Outlook: After guiding the Tigers to back-to-back appearances in the CFP National Championship, coach Dabo Swinney faces a rebuilding job in 2017. But Clemson has recruited as well as anyone outside of maybe Alabama, and the Tigers have plenty of young players ready to step up. Sophomore QB Kelly Bryant, who attempted 18 passes the past two seasons combined, is the favorite to replace Watson, who leaves as arguably the best player in school history. The Tigers will also have to replace leading rusher Wayne Gallman and top wideouts Mike Williams and Artavis Scott, who are all expected to enter the NFL draft as juniors. The personnel losses on defense aren't as heavy -- not with Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell returning to anchor the defensive line -- but linebacker Ben Boulware and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins will be missed. The Tigers will play Florida State at home and Louisville and Virginia Tech on the road during ACC play, along with a difficult nonconference home game against Auburn.
For more on how the Tigers will look in 2017, check out Clemson's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
6. Ohio State
2016 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: C Pat Elflein, CB Gareon Conley, RB Curtis Samuel, WR Noah Brown, S Malik Hooker, LB, Raekwon McMillan, P Cameron Johnston, K Tyler Durbin
Outlook: Even after the Buckeyes' unsightly 31-0 loss to Clemson in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, there's no debate they were probably a year ahead of schedule in 2016. Even after losing 12 players to the NFL draft, including 10 who were selected in the first three rounds, coach Urban Meyer guided the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years. With nine starters coming back on offense and eight on defense, Ohio State looks loaded for 2017. Quarterback J.T. Barrett must improve dramatically, and the Buckeyes must improve at wide receiver. Co-offensive coordinator Tim Beck is leaving for Texas, which might be the first of a few moves on Meyer's staff. Former Indiana coach Kevin Wilson has reportedly been hired to replace Beck, and Ryan Day will be the new quarterbacks coach. OSU plays a nonconference game against Oklahoma and Big Ten road contests at Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan.
For more on how the Buckeyes will look in 2017, check out Ohio State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
7. Oklahoma State
2016 record: 10-3, 7-2 Big 12
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: DT Vincent Taylor, WR Jhajuan Seales, LT Victor Salako, DT Motekiai Maile, LB Jordan Burton, LB Devante Averette, FS Jordan Sterns
Outlook: The Pokes will have to rebuild their defense after losing top tacklers Jordan Sterns and Devante Averette plus star defensive tackle Vincent Taylor, who is entering the NFL draft as a junior. But with quarterback Mason Rudolph and receiver James Washington announcing they'll return for their senior seasons, Oklahoma State might have one of the country's most high-powered offenses in 2017. Coach Mike Gundy has guided the Pokes to 10-win seasons in five of the past seven years, and after back-to-back second-place finishes in the Big 12, they might be ready to challenge Oklahoma for the title. They'll get to play the Sooners at home in the Bedlam game next season, and the Pokes will also host TCU, Baylor and Kansas State in Big 12 play.
For more on how the Cowboys will look in 2017, check out Oklahoma State's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
8. Washington
2016 record: 12-2, 8-1 Pac-12
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: WR John Ross, G Jake Eldrenkamp, G Shane Brostek, DE Joe Mathis, LB Psalm Wooching, DT Elijah Qualls, S Budda Baker, CB Kevin King, CB Sidney Jones
Outlook: We figured it was only a matter of time until coach Chris Petersen built a playoff contender at Washington, and it happened this season. After losing six games in each of his first two seasons in Seattle, Petersen guided the Huskies to a Pac-12 championship and CFP berth. With quarterback Jake Browning and tailback Myles Gaskin coming back, the Huskies will be big favorites to win the Pac-12 North again in 2017. However, they will have to replace several key contributors on defense. Washington's nonconference schedule isn't very challenging, with a road game at Rutgers and home games against FCS foe Montana and Fresno State. Plus, the Huskies won't play USC during the regular season and will play Utah and Washington State at home.
For more on how the Huskies will look in 2017, check out Washington's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.
9. Wisconsin
2016 record: 11-3, 7-2 Big Ten
Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: WR Robert Wheelwright, , QB Bart Houston, RB Corey Clement, LB Vince Biegel, LB T.J. Watt, FS Leo Musso, CB Sojourn Shelton, K Andrew Endicott
Outlook: Even after the disappointing loss to Penn State in the Big Ten championship game, the Badgers enjoyed a very special -- and unexpected -- season. With a senior-laden defense and quarterback Alex Hornibrook returning, Wisconsin will be a heavy favorite to win the Big Ten West again. The Badgers are expected to get back injured linebackers Jack Cichy and Chris Orr on defense, and redshirt freshman Bradrick Shaw and junior Chris James are in line to take over at tailback. OT Ryan Ramczyk might declare for the NFL draft. Wisconsin's 2017 schedule might set the Badgers up for another Big Ten title run; they don't play Michigan State, Ohio State or Penn State during the regular season, and they host Iowa and Michigan in November.
For more on how the Badgers will look in 2017, check out Wisconsin's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings
10. Oklahoma
2016 record: 11-2, 9-0 Big 12
Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: WR Dede Westbrook, RB Joe Mixon, RB Samaje Perine, DT Jordan Wade, DE Austin Roberts, LB Jordan Evans, FS Ahmad Thomas
Outlook: With quarterback Baker Mayfield returning for his senior season, the Sooners are in position to win a third consecutive Big 12 championship -- even with tailbacks Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine both leaving early. All five starters are expected to return on the offensive line, but the Sooners will have to replace All-America wideout Dede Westbrook's production, which won't be easy. OU's defense played better down the stretch, and as many as seven starters might return. OU will have to survive an early road trip at Ohio State as well as Big 12 road trips to Kansas State and Oklahoma State.
For more on how the Sooners will look in 2017, check out Oklahoma's recruiting profile and ESPN RecruitingNation's class rankings.