Quote:Rix, Leak not all that different
By Steve Ellis
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Chris Rix and Chris Leak share more than the obvious first names.

The starting quarterbacks in Saturday's Florida State-Florida showdown have produced similar results in several categories, including pass efficiency (Rix's 135.5 to Leak's 133.6) and turnovers (Rix's 12 interceptions to Leak's 10). Each possesses a good arm and excellent mobility.

And, while one is a freshman and the other a seasoned veteran with 25 more starts, both quarterbacks will be asked to work under similar parameters: Don't be afraid to let skilled teammates win the game. And protect the football.

"That's what you want out of a quarterback. You don't ask him to win a game," FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said. "You ask him to help along with the other 10 people."

Turnovers have been a problem for both quarterbacks, but more for Rix down the stretch. Rix has committed seven turnovers in the past three games, while Leak, who has started Florida's past seven games, had two interceptions against Vanderbilt on Nov.8. He does a better job of protecting the ball on the move.

"Very accurate passer," Andrews said of Leak, who has completed 60.1 percent of his passes. "He has been able to perform exceptionally well for a freshman against the kind of people they played against. He has not made a lot of mistakes with the football ... He can move the ball. He can play out of the pocket.

"He's got great composure. He doesn't make a lot of bad decisions. ... They spread it around; they get it to the receivers, inside, outside, tight end. The backs. They do a great job with the screen plays."

Andrews' players are confident they can apply some pressure, but they also realize that Leak has been tested in road games at LSU, Arkansas and South Carolina, as well as against Georgia - all victories. He was 18 of 30 against LSU with no interceptions. FSU coach Bobby Bowden calls him cool, especially for a freshman.

"I don't think he'll panic. I know he won't panic," Bowden said of Leak. "It's a matter - does he have enough experience to read what he has to read? He played at LSU and won. He played at South Carolina and won. And played at Arkansas and won. That's pretty hot country there now. Playing at home will be a snap to him.

"He doesn't play like a nervous freshman."

Rix admits to wishing that, when he was a younger player, he'd had some of Leak's consistency and confidence.

"I was immature at the time," Rix said of taking over starting duties as a redshirt freshman. "I think it was just a lot for me to handle and (I) definitely let it get to my head. I think Chris Leak has done a great job as far as handling that. The best advice for him would be just to stay humble and not let everything go to his head, which I definitely let happen at times. I think it all comes from experience, and it seems like he is one up on the game."

Rix won both starts against the Gators and has completed 39 of 68 passes (57.3 percent) with three touchdowns and just one interception. He bounced back from demotion a year ago to lead FSU to a 31-14 victory over Florida by mixing in some big plays and relying upon teammates, including tailback Leon Washington.

"I ask every week of him to not to try to go out and win the game himself," FSU offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden said of Rix. "Because I think, early on, I think that's the way he felt. I just try to emphasize - use the talent around you, because he's got a whole bunch of it. And, when he does that, he's usually fine. ... We rely on balance. We don't need it to hang on one player or two guys. We're a run, play-action offense with a little mixture of shotgun.

"The second thing, and I think it's going to be a critical point in the game, is protecting the football. So I'm just going to ask him to protect the ball and use the (talent) around him."

Rix may have the advantage over Leak in experience, but FSU coaches still want improvement from their junior quarterback. Rix will be tested by a Florida defense that already has 20 interceptions. And Bobby Bowden said last year's game against Florida is another indicator Rix can get the job done.

"He beat them last year. He's been in so many big games," Bobby Bowden said. "This would be another experience to prove he is getting better. (We're) still looking for the consistency of making good plays, and don't make bad plays.

"... He'll make some big plays. You just got to be sure it outnumbers the bad ones and don't make many bad ones."

<span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'> <span style='color:red'> Congratulations Ms Nole! </span> </span>



That game was a real nail biter! Excellent game by Chris Rix!

Thanks NewspaperRebel :D and you're right is was a nail biter. Before our last touchdown, I had given up and was shocked when Rix threw that 52-yarder for a touchdown. WOW :eek: I just wish they hadn't gotten into that brawl after the game was over. But, it's nothing new... except that they usually brawl before the game... :rolleyes:


Seminoles end the regular season 10-2 WoooHoooo!!!

WHAT A GAME!!

doh

Coach Doh Wrote:WHAT A GAME!!

doh

:D Guess what Coach Doh? Those gaytors hate our refs too... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

AWESOME JOB BY YOUR NOLES!!!!

ACC............ACC..............ACC