We'll start the countdown to a legitimate college football playoff when the 2012 season opens in a couple of weeks.

Of course, we'll have to wait two more seasons to see it.

But there's still plenty of intrigue heading into the upcoming season.

Is Florida State finally back? Is Texas? Is Florida? We know Southern California is back among the sport's elite programs.

Here's a closer look at what's hot and what's not in college football in 2012:

WHAT'S HOT AND NOT FOR THE 2012 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON