Rix Puts It Together to Lift Florida State

Nice recovery, Chris Rix.

The Florida State quarterback struggled for most of his career and he had a rough start Saturday in the Gator Bowl, his final college game.

But Coach Bobby Bowden stuck with Rix, who eventually gave the Seminoles a spark. Rix crafted two long second-half touchdown drives, leading No. 17-ranked Florida State to a 30-18 victory over West Virginia.

“Chris played kind of like his career has gone,” Bowden said. “That’s what’s been missing all year. We finally got it, but now the season is over.”

At least it didn’t end with a loss. The Seminoles (9-3) overcame several mistakes to avoid an unprecedented third consecutive bowl setback.

Bowden moved within one bowl victory of Joe Paterno’s NCAA record of 19 at Penn State.

Rix fumbled three times and threw two interceptions, one of which led to a touchdown. At halftime, Bowden considered replacing Rix.

“It wouldn’t have taken much more,” Bowden said.

Rix settled down, completing five consecutive passes during a 90-yard drive late in the third quarter, capped by his 14-yard touchdown pass to Craphonso Thorpe, who leaped for the ball over Dee McCann in the right corner of the end zone to give the Seminoles a 23-15 lead.

It was only the third touchdown pass this season for Rix.

“We were good throwing today when we had to,” offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden said.

Rix led an 80-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter, capped by James Coleman’s one-yard run. Rix finished 16 for 31 for 157 yards.

“Statistically, I didn’t have the game I wanted,” Rix said. “But the biggest thing is that we won.”

Leon Washington carried Florida State much of the day, finishing with 195 yards rushing. He ran 69 yards down the right sideline on the second play for the longest touchdown run in Gator Bowl history.

Quarterback Rasheed Marshall and West Virginia’s platoon of running backs shredded the nation’s top run defense for 238 yards. Kay-Jay Harris carried 25 times for 134 yards and scored twice.

But the Mountaineers (8-4) failed to find the end zone three times after advancing inside the Florida State 20.

“You make mistakes against good teams, especially like Florida State, it’s going to cost you the game,” Coach Rich Rodriguez said.

West Virginia has lost 11 of its last 12 bowls games and is 0-5 in the Gator Bowl.

Lorenzo Booker had 101 yards in 20 carries for Florida State, which had 17 penalties for 174 yards, both Gator Bowl records.