USA TODAY Sports college football staff picks for Week 9

It's the final weekend of October, and the stakes are getting bigger for unbeatens hoping to reach the College Football Playoff. Three of the nine teams without a loss face major road showdowns Saturday against ranked opponents.

No. 3 Clemson pays a visit to No. 14 Florida State in a game that was expected to decide the ACC Atlantic. Even with two losses, the Seminoles will be plenty motivated to play spoiler against the Tigers.

No. 4 Washington heads to No. 16 Utah. The Huskies have only been tested in one game this season, an overtime win at Arizona, but will be challenged by Utes and running back Joe Williams.

No. 6 Nebraska can take a major step toward the Big Ten West title with a win at No. 11 Wisconsin. For the Badgers, it will be their fourth game this season against an opponent ranked in the top 10.