Tech uses national rankings, attention as motivation for hard work

We've used it as motivation. OK, we're ranked in the top 10; we've got to do our best.' Work hard, make sure we stay in the top 10 because you can lose your first game and automatically you're out of it.''

The reasons many expect more from Tech are obvious: All but four starters and a kicker are back from a 9-4 team that won the Gator Bowl - the program's first January bowl victory in 54 years.

Even Tech coach Mike Leach, who says he always expects to win every game, welcomes the wide-scale acknowledgment.

"I think it's good,'' said Leach, who begins his ninth season at Tech with a 65-37 overall record. "It's pleasing because it's kind of recognition for the efforts of a lot of coaches that have been at Tech, for the institution and for a lot of players.



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