By Mike Hogewood for theACC.com

At NC State, the buzzword is patience. It's something that's hard for the Wolfpack nation to grasp. Tom O'Brien is now in his second season as head coach and all indications are that this team is going to be better. The big question is "What will the overall record be?"

O'Brien says that "the second year, everyone understands the expectations whether it's on the field, off the field, in the classroom, or in the weight room." The bottom line is that after finishing last in the Atlantic division last year, the team is picked to wind up in the same spot in 2008.

Last Year, NC State was 5-7, 3-5 in the ACC. The highlight of the year was a four-game winning streak in mid-season that began at in-state rival East Carolina. This from a team that finished last in the league in rushing defense and next to last in rushing offense. The team, depleted by injuries, simply ran out of gas and lost its last two. The winning streak did give a glimpse of what O'Brien has in store for the Wolfpack of the future - disciplined, mistake-free football.

Running Back Jamelle Eugene

This year's offense should be much improved. First, there are three healthy and very talented running backs. Jamelle Eugene is the returning starter, but Andre Brown and Toney Baker are coming off of injuries and both have had great moments wearing the red and white. If all three stay healthy, State will have as deep and as talented a group of rushers as anyone in the conference.

The question mark in Raleigh is the quarterback position. O'Brien was disappointed in that position a year ago. "Anytime you throw 14 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions, that's gotta be reversed." Daniel Evans, the returning starter, played hurt much of last year and is healthy now after off-season surgery. Russell Wilson, a mobile runner with a rocket arm, got most of the snaps under center in the spring and will be given a chance to win the job. There's a talented freshman, Mike Glennon, who also could figure into the quarterback mix if needed.

The big difference in the offense should be at tight end. Anthony Hill returns after missing last season with a knee injury. He's a solid blocker who's great at catching the ball over the middle in traffic. Hill has felt great in summer workouts. "The knee that I hurt, I feel like it's actually stronger than the knee that didn't get hurt." The offensive line has been re-tooled with a couple of players who moved over from defense.

Cornerback Jeremy Gray

With its improvements on offense, State should be able to put more points on the board this season, and they may need to as there are a number of unknowns on defense. It's not easy to replace linemen like DeMario Pressley and Martrel Brown as well as all three starting linebackers. However, inexperience does not mean a lack of talent. The new starters at linebacker all played and performed well last season. Defensive end Willie Young has developed into a very good pass rusher. There is veteran leadership in the secondary paced by corners Jeremy Gray and DeAndre Morgan. One disturbing stat: State managed to intercept only 10 passes last year. That number will have to rise for the Wolfpack to improve its record from 2007.

A big bright spot last season was the place-kicking of Steven Hauschka. He came to State as a graduate student with only one year of eligibility and he made the most of it. Hauschka will long be remembered by the Wolfpack nation for his pressure kicks at Miami, a game State won in overtime. With Hauschka departed, sophomore Josh Czajkowski will be the new Wolfpack kicker. With the balance in the ACC this season, his leg might be the difference between victory and defeat in a number of games.

A glance at the schedule shows only two games where State will definitely be favored, September 6th at home against William & Mary and November 8th at Duke. There are tough road games to South Carolina and Clemson. A rising power from the sunshine state, South Florida, comes to Raleigh in early October. The schedule is every bit as challenging as a year ago beginning with the game against the Gamecocks on August 28th.

O'Brien was a quick study learning which games mean the most to Wolfpack fans, "I know our fans especially want to win when we play anybody with Carolina in their name." South Carolina, East Carolina, and North Carolina are all on the schedule this season. Whether or not the record improves in O'Brien's second season at State, the future is bright. NC State will not be an "easy out" for anyone.