The good news — most of last year’s Georgia Tech football team is returning for the 2005 season. The bad news — they open Sept. 3 at national runner-up Auburn and the schedule doesn’t get any easier.

Eight of the 11 teams the Yellow Jackets face were bowl eligible last fall — Virginia Tech, Miami, Virginia, North Carolina, Clemson, Auburn, Georgia and Connecticut. Five teams — Auburn, Georgia, Virginia Tech, Miami and Virginia — were ranked in the final top 25.

Tech finished last season with a 7-5 record and a 51-14 thrashing of Syracuse in the Champs Sports Bowl — the Jackets' eighth-consecutive bowl appearance.

The Jackets' road schedule includes visits to Virginia Tech, Miami, Virginia and Duke.

For the 13th year in a row, Tech will be featured in ESPN's nationally televised Thursday night games hosting North Carolina State on Oct. 6 at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. Other home games include Clemson, Connecticut, Wake Forest and Georgia.

Season tickets can be purchased by calling (888) TECH-TIX or online at ticket@gtaa.gatech.edu.

2005 Georgia Tech Football Schedule

Sept. 3 at Auburn

Sept. 10 North Carolina

Sept. 17 Connecticut

Sept. 24 at Virginia Tech

Oct. 6 N.C. State

Oct. 15 at Duke

Oct. 22 at Miami

Oct. 29 Clemson

Nov. 5 Wake Forest

Nov. 12 at Virginia

Nov. 26 Georgia

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