NC State figures to have an easy time in its opener at home Saturday against Liberty but head coach Tom O’Brien isn’t taking the little-known opponent lightly.

“We’re excited about getting the season under way,” O’Brien said Thursday. “We’re obviously tired of practicing against each other. We look forward to the challenge that Liberty brings.”

O’Brien says that Liberty is an explosive offensive team with a lot of experience at the skills positions.

Liberty was a top 10 team in total offense, O’Brien notes. He points to their passing efficiency and their scoring ability. “They are led by a kid (Mike Brown) that’s really a good athlete. Kind of reminds us a lot of the
Godfrey kid that we played against last year at Central Florida.”

He said the Wolfpack defense is going to have to be ready to take control and contain Brown.

The new State quarterback, Mike Glennon, is a little more of questionmark.

“His upside is tremendous,” O’Brien said. “We expect him to get better each and every week as we go along
for the next couple years here. I think a lot of people are excited about watching him play on Saturday.”

O’Brien said Glennon has a great arm and keeps his composure in the pocket.

“He has the capability to make any throw that has to be made on the football field,” O’Brien said. “He’s got great confidence in his ability. I think that carries over to his teammates.”