ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia Tech got a boost Monday when leading rusher Orwin Smith said he's returning to practice and hopes to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.

The senior missed last Saturday's 42-10 loss to No. 3 Georgia with a sprained right ankle and didn't practice Monday, but said he ``definitely'' plans to practice Tuesday and hopes to play Saturday night when the Yellow Jackets host No. 13 Florida State.

Smith said his status is ``still to be determined. I think I will play. We'll just see how it goes day by day.''

The running back's absence was felt, as the Yellow Jackets were held to a season-low in scoring after averaging 47.7 points in three straight wins.

Quarterback Tevin Washington said he hopes Smith can help the offense bounce back.