Good news for FSU football...

Kevin · #1 10-29-2002, 02:19 AM

Bowden: Rix out, McPherson to start against Wake Forest
Oct. 28, 2002
SportsLine.com wire reports

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Chris Rix will be replaced as Florida State's starting quarterback by Adrian McPherson when the No. 18 Seminoles play at Wake Forest this weekend.

Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden announced the move two days after a 34-24 loss to Notre Dame, Florida State's seventh defeat in the past two years under Rix. He has been criticized following a 5-3 start, Florida State's worst since 1986.

"The only answer as to why we're doing this is that we feel like we should," Bowden said after Monday's practice. "There was no question we need to move (McPherson) in there and see what he can do."

In Saturday's game, Rix turned the ball over on consecutive possessions to set up 10 Notre Dame points and break a 10-10 tie.

Rix was told of the change over the phone Monday by quarterbacks coach Daryl Dickey, and Bowden later called Rix himself.

"He handled it just like you would want him to handle it," Bowden said. "I told him to be ready to go and to get ready to go like you always do. He said 'I will' and we'll go from there."

Rix was not immediately available for comment.

McPherson, who has never started a college game, relieved Rix late in the fourth quarter and led Florida State to two late scores to cut a 24-point deficit.

"The way (McPherson) came in there and took us down in there twice, we just felt like we just had to have him back there," Bowden said.

Rix is 13-7 in two years as a starter, one less loss than his three immediate predecessors combined -- Chris Weinke, Thad Busby and Danny Kanell.

Through eight games, Rix has completed 52.9 percent of his passes for 1,375 yards 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The move is Florida State's first midseason quarterback switch since Casey Weldon replaced Brad Johnson halfway through the 1990 season.

McPherson has only seen limited time in five games this season, going 21-of-37 for 283 yards and four touchdown passes. In seven games last season, he threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns.

McPherson, who played briefly for the Seminoles' basketball team last season, has yet to throw an interception in 74 career pass attempts.

"That's why I came here, to get on the field and perform," he said. "Now is the time to make the most of it."

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2002, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

Kevin · #2 10-29-2002, 02:20 AM

If you didn't have a chance to see this guy play in the Notre Dame game last weekend he is amazing. With him at the head of the FSU offense I don't see them losing anymore games. This guy's incredible.

The1calledTKE · #3 10-29-2002, 02:28 AM

He looked good but he scored after Notre Dame relaxed after knowing there was no possible way to lose. Some of Notre Dame's starters were on the bench at the time. I guess we will see soon. If this guys loses to Wake Forest then they might bring back Rix. Go Wake Forest my dad's alma mater!!

Kevin · #4 10-30-2002, 11:21 AM

Oct. 29, 2002
SportsLine.com wire reports

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Chris Rix responded to his benching as Florida State's starting quarterback Tuesday by saying some of his teammates should worry about their own performance before they criticize him.

Rix spoke to the media after practice a day after coach Bobby Bowden announced Adrian McPherson would replace him. The 18th-ranked Seminoles (5-3, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) play at Wake Forest on Saturday and are mired in their worst start since 1986.

Rix struggled in last Saturday's 34-24 loss to No. 4 Notre Dame, committing two turnovers that led to 10 points.

"People want to win and we didn't win, and people feel I didn't do a well enough job to get the job done and they want to give someone else a shot," Rix said.

Rix has been criticized not only by fans but also by his teammates since taking over the starting job from Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke at the start of last season.

Earlier this season, center Antoine Mirambeau expressed displeasure with Rix's performance. After Saturday's game, several players were heard shouting in the locker room as the press entered the room.

"I know a lot of people were frustrated," Rix said. "I was frustrated. But I think people should look in the mirror and see what they are doing before they start judging other people because I know one word has not come out of my mouth criticizing a player on either side of the ball.

"If someone plays a perfect game then they can start talking about other people," Rix said.

Rix said he was told the coaches' decision to bench him was only based on his game against Notre Dame.

"There wasn't any talk about (benching me) before," Rix said. "I thought I had a good Miami game."

Florida State lost to No. 1 Miami by one point after missing a last-second field goal attempt.

After the game was out of hand, McPherson rallied the Seminoles for two late touchdowns against the Fighting Irish.

"(McPherson) has been able to learn in practice, go through drills in practice and then come in and get some time at the end of games and sometimes in the middle of games," Rix said. "He's had a luxury I didn't have."

Rix said he plans to learn from his mistakes and will provide positive encouragement for the team.

"I'm not going to mope about or hang my head. I just want to win and hopefully A.D. can get that done on Saturday," Rix said. "We need to win the ACC, that's our big goal right now."

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2002, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

dzrose93 · #5 10-30-2002, 11:30 AM

Go Wake Forest!