Florida’s college football programs are in various states of repair and the three marquee teams all face different challenges on Saturday.

Florida State, the defending national champion and No. 1-ranked team, hasn’t been as successful on defense as expected. Florida is still a question mark after last year’s disaster. And Miami seems to bounce from one level of play to another without finding any consistency.

FSU gets a tough test on Saturday night at home, playing No. 8 Clemson. The Seminoles have “suspended” quarterback Jameis Winston for the first half for making obscene comments in a public venue, adding to his litany of screw-ups. Since 2009, this game has determined which team will play for the ACC championship. And for the fourth year in a row, the game takes place while both teams are ranked in the Top 25.

Florida travels to Tuscaloosa to play No. 3 Alabama. The Gators barely escaped at home last week, winning in triple overtime against Kentucky. Alabama is favored by more than two touchdowns; it has been the favorite in 58 consecutive games dating to the SEC Championship Game in 2009 against Florida, which it won as the underdog.

Miami goes to No. 24 Nebraska. This game matches two solid running backs in the Hurricanes’ Duke Johnson and the Cornhuskers’ Ameer Abdullah.

OTHER GAMES WE’LL BE WATCHING

Oklahoma at West Virginia: The No. 4 Sooners must contain quarterback Clint Trickett and a dynamic group of receivers who gave Alabama fits in the opener. Oklahoma is without running back Keith Ford (foot) for at least a few weeks.

Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech: Unbeaten Georgia Tech nearly blew a game to Georgia Southern; the Hokies upset Ohio State to jump into the Top 25 and crumbled at home against East Carolina to fall out of it.

Today’s question

Which game will you be watching, and why?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .