Greensboro, NC - More from NC State head football coach Tom O'Brien.

O'Brien talks about players competing for playing time. "Everyone is hedging their bets" by giving first place votes to four teams in the division.

"Should be a heck of a year."

"You keep working on fundamentals" and "guys have to step up and make plays" at crucial times in the game.

O'Brien discusses the economic times. NC State made cuts before the economy soured. "Used to mail a lot. Getting out of the mailing business. Using Internet more."

O'Brien likes playing a team like South Carolina in the first game of the season. "You have to be your best. You have to start at a high level and get better from there."