By BRIAN LANDMAN and MICHAEL SNYDER
Published December 30, 2003
MIAMI BEACH - No one has to remind Florida State quarterback Chris Rix that two of his poorer performances have come against Miami, the team he faces in the Orange Bowl Thursday.
But the past few days, he said he has received nasty messages on his cellular phone from people, mostly from the 305 area code, saying: "Don't screw up the Miami game."
As a freshman in 2001, he threw four interceptions and lost two fumbles that the 'Canes parlayed into four touchdowns in a 49-27 victory. Oct. 11, he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles that led to two touchdowns and a field goal in a 22-14 UM win.
"I try not to pay too much attention to that," Rix said of the calls. "My number's floating around out there somewhere on the Internet. I'm still getting calls from Clemson (fans); "You guys (stink); Clemson rules."
NFL OPTION?: FSU junior offensive tackle Alex Barron, a first-team AP All-American, said Monday morning he's considering bolting early for the NFL.
"It's crossed my mind a couple of times; how can it not cross my mind with all the stuff going on, all the accomplishments I've had this year?" Barron said.
Once he returns to Tallahassee, he plans to request information from the NFL about his projected status, something available to any draft-eligible player.
COPING WITH WINSLOW: FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews won't tip his hand, but he did say that he will change things a bit when it comes to defending Miami All-America tight end Kellen Winslow. Winslow had seven catches for 106 yards in the first meeting; he also had six receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown in the 2002 victory.
Does that mean double coverage? Well ...
"It's easier to do it on a wideout than it is a tight end," Andrews said. "It affects your ability to stop the run when you start doubling up on a single player. There'll be times when we will. It's just a guess or a hunch or based on a percentage of what you expect from what they've done in the past. ... We won't put all our marbles on him because they've got other people who can beat you."
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN: Miami safety Sean Taylor had two interceptions, one of which he returned 50 yards for a TD, in the Oct. 11 game at FSU and laments that he should have had more. "I should have had a lot, but it was slippery, like they say," he said, laughing.
PRO OR NO?: Miami junior cornerback Antrel Rolle said if he is told by the NFL that he projects as a first-round draft pick, he would eschew his final collegiate season. But what if he's a late first-rounder, a position that could mean a slide into the second? "That'd be something I'd consider," he said.
NO CONTACT: Coach Larry Coker put his 'Canes through their last full-contact practice in Coral Gables.
