TALLAHASSEE, FLA. ? Chris Rix will remain Florida State’s starting quarterback despite a poor performance in last week’s loss at Miami.

Coach Bobby Bowden announced his decision Monday.

Rix, who is Bowden’s first four-year starter, became Division I-A’s only quarterback to go 0-5 against the same school after failing to lead the offense to a touchdown in Friday night’s loss at the Orange Bowl.

“I thought about it all night and all the next day and all the next night and talked it over with our coaches and everything,” Bowden said. “We felt like he’s really got the kids behind him. Four years ago (the players) were not behind him. I think the wise thing to do is start him and see if he can’t get back to his old self.”

Rix completed 12 of 28 passes for 108 yards, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles, including a critical one in overtime in the 16-10 loss. He ranks 10th in the ACC passing statistics.

“It’s way too early to panic,” said Bowden, who has spent the past three seasons defending Rix, now 24-11 as a starter. “It’s not time.”

Florida State said an MRI revealed guard Matt Meinrod has a torn knee ligament and will miss the rest of the season. Cory Niblock will get his first start against UAB in place of Meinrod.