TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State quarterback Fabian Walker took his first snaps as the Seminoles' starting quarterback Wednesday, a day after starter Chris Rix was suspended for the Nokia Sugar Bowl game against Georgia.

Rix was suspended Tuesday for missing a final exam after he overslept. The sudden move leaves the Seminoles without their top two quarterbacks for the game New Year's Day. Adrian McPherson was kicked off the team last month after being accused of stealing a check.

Coach Bobby Bowden said he was pleased with Walker's performance.

"The main thing for him is to keep playing and to get sharper every day,'' Bowden said. "He has a great arm, one of the quickest releases out here. He just has to learn where everybody is.''

Playing with the first team Wednesday, Walker said he was relaxed and enjoyed his first day as the starter.

"I feel real good,'' Walker said. "This is a dream come true to get a chance to start at Florida State. I'm just really looking forward to it right now.''

Matt Henshaw, who has never played a college game and had been moved to tight end before the season began, will be Walker's backup.

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin, Florida's top prep player as a quarterback in high school, also took some snaps under center and will be an emergency quarterback for the Sugar Bowl.