Georgia Tech enjoyed playing the underdog role last season. But the Yellow Jackets can no longer sneak up on anyone.

Especially not Florida State, which is just a little too aware that Georgia Tech is being widely projected as the Seminoles' equal this season.

"I'd rather have the expectations we have now than the expectations when we first took over," coach George O'Leary said with a chuckle. "When we first took over, we were trying to see if we could win. Now, we know we can win. It's just a question of how much."

The answer is almost open-ended. With the Jackets returning 15 of 22 starters, plus both kickers and a few key additions, there's good reason expectations have soared. The Yellow Jackets have talked openly, albeit carefully, about becoming the first team to fully dethrone Florida State as ACC champions.

"If you ever want to win the ACC championship," said quarterback George Godsey, "you have to beat Florida State."

One concern is how the offense will adapt to new coordinator Bill O'Brien. Ralph Friedgen, whose ability to mold his offense to fit the talent bordered on genius, left to become head coach at Maryland.

O'Brien's transition should likewise be eased by the return of nearly the entire offense. Returning players accounted for all but one rushing yard and all but 222 receiving yards. This, from an offense that produced 435.4 yards and 33.8 points per game.

Godsey missed the spring rehabbing off-season reconstructive knee surgery, but is expected to be ready for the season.

Kelly Campbell's decision to stay for his senior season was key, giving Godsey one of college football's premier deep threats. And sophomore Nate Curry also has established himself as a dangerous threat.

Joe Burns returns at tailback after accounting for 1,150 yards (908 rushing, 242 receiving), especially impressive given his season-ending ankle injury of the previous season.

The beneficiary of all these weapons is Godsey, whose passing efficiency rating of 151.86 was sixth best in the country.

"A lot of people made a big deal about a new quarterback coming in," said Godsey. "But as the season goes on, there are so many guys who can make you look good, who can make you succeed."

There's not much depth up front, so how well the starting unit can mesh could determine how productive the offense will be.

The defense improved dramatically last season after surrendering 30 points a game in 1999. Coordinator Ted Roof put in a more aggressive scheme, which, coupled with more experience, helped to cut that figure down to 19 points a game.

Now the defense is comprised largely of third-year starters.

"One more year of growth and maturity is really helping them," O'Leary said.

Technically, only two defensive starters were lost -- defensive tackle Guenter Kryszon and cornerback Jamara Clark. But the secondary has been reshuffled with the addition of Albert Poree, an impressive transfer from Notre Dame. Poree immediately established himself as Tech's best defensive back in spring practice.

Marvious Hester returns at the other corner. If nothing else, Tech will be deeper in experience and athleticism at the corners, which is imperative to running an attack defense. Whether they can match up against Florida State's receivers remains questionable.

The front seven also should be deeper, except at tackle. Merrix Watson is a three-year starter at one spot, but beyond him there are questions.

Defensive end is well stocked, with all-ACC players Greg Gathers and Nick Rogers. Gathers ranked third in the country with 13 sacks, while Rogers had nine, plus 13 tackles for losses.

"Not trying to be biased, but I think me and Nick Rogers are probably the best defensive end tandem in the country," Gathers said.

A big reason for the defensive turnaround was the play of the linebackers. The Jackets started two freshmen (Daryl Smith and Ather Brown) and a sophomore (Recardo Wimbush) last season. They should be even better with a year of experience.

Placekicker Luke Manget and punter Dan Dyke, both juniors, could sweep All-ACC kicking awards.

The Yellow Jackets will get a second chance to gain some national attention early. Last year's preseason game against Virginia Tech was cancelled due to a lightning storm. The Jackets will open this season against Syracuse in the Kickoff Classic.

They play Clemson and Florida State in September, so they won't have to wait long to find out how good they are.

"One of our goals is to take the ACC and go to a BCS bowl, if not the national championship game," said Gathers. "We've got us a chance."

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