Inside College Football will air its "Countdown to #1" show on Thursday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network and we'll finally know who the show considers to be the top team in the country heading into the 2012 season.

While we wait for the show to reveal its answer, let's take a look at the top candidates for the spot.

Alabama -- The Crimson Tide are a logical option. After all, they are the defending national champions, and return 11 starters including AJ McCarron, CJ Mosley, Robert Lester and four offensive linemen. However, with Trent Richardson gone, and only five starters returning from one of the best defenses in the sport, can they hold on to the top spot?

Florida State -- The Seminoles were a preseason favorite in 2011 before finishing the season 9-4. That being said, there is still a lot of talent on this team and 17 starters return from last season. Can Florida State grab the top spot or will the Inside College Football crew be wary of last season's disappointment?

LSU -- There wasn't much doubt that LSU was the best team in the country all season in 2011 ... until Alabama got its revenge in New Orleans. Will LSU be the favorite to return to the title game in 2012? The Tigers have 13 returning starters, including Heisman finalist and Honey Badger Tyrann Mathieu.

Oklahoma -- Last season was a disappointment for the Sooners. After being a preseason title contender Oklahoma finished the year 10-3 and tied for third place in the Big 12. However, the Sooners have 15 starters coming back in 2012, and that includes their Heisman candidate at quarterback Landry Jones.

Oregon -- Oregon is one of the most exciting offenses in the country, but is it the best team in the land? The Ducks certainly have the pedigree as they come off of a Rose Bowl victory only a year after appearing in the national title game.

USC -- The Trojans are once again free to return to the postseason, but will they be making their return to the national championship as well? It'd be hard to argue against putting a team with one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Matt Barkley, and the best receiving corps to go with it atop the preseason poll.

So, Eye On College Football readers, which team do you think should start the season with the top ranking?