In a recent update to its Football Power Index (FPI), ESPN has provided a glimpse into how NC State's football season may unfold in 2024. The FPI serves as a measure of team strength and predicts a team's future performance based on simulations and various data. According to the FPI, NC State enters the season ranked 28th in the country, with a projected record of 8.1-4.1. This ranking is accompanied by predictions for the team's chances of winning the ACC, making it to the College Football Playoff, and winning the National Championship.

Breaking down the season game by game, let's dive into the FPI's projections for the Wolfpack. The season opener sees NC State facing its lone FCS opponent, the Catamounts. Despite Western Carolina boasting a solid preseason FCS ranking, the FPI gives the Wolfpack a 99% chance of victory. NC State has a flawless 7-0 record against Western Carolina in their history, most recently defeating them 41-0 in 2019.

Moving on to Week 2, the Wolfpack will clash with the Tennessee Volunteers in a challenging matchup. The FPI predicts a 30.6% chance of victory for NC State, recognizing the difficulty of overcoming the 9th-ranked Volunteers. Notably, this game holds significance as it marks a neutral field rematch of their 2012 encounter, where Tennessee emerged victorious.

Next up, NC State will face Louisiana Tech, a team they have previously defeated in both match-ups. The Bulldogs provided stiff competition in their last meeting, only falling short in a 34-27 Wolfpack victory. The FPI gives NC State a 90.7% chance of triumph, emphasizing the importance of staying focused against an opponent who can pose a challenge.

Week 4 brings a highly anticipated showdown with ACC rival Clemson Tigers. Historically, NC State has found it challenging to secure a victory in Clemson, not having won there in a top 25 matchup. This year, with both teams likely to be ranked, the Wolfpack seeks to break the streak and claim a significant victory. The FPI assigns NC State a 30.1% chance of success, highlighting the uphill battle they face against the 15th-ranked Tigers.

The following game sees NC State taking on former head coach Dave Doeren's former program, Northern Illinois. With the Huskies ranked outside the top 100 in the FPI, the Wolfpack is expected to emerge victorious with a 76% chance of winning. NC State will aim to showcase their dominance against this opponent and continue their winning streak.

Rounding out the FPI projections, the highly anticipated matchup between NC State and Wake Forest serves as a significant rivalry game. The two teams have faced each other every year since 1910, making it one of the longest continuously played rivalry games in college football. The Wolfpack holds an advantage in recent meetings and aims to extend their success in this year's encounter. The FPI gives NC State an 89.8% chance of triumph, reflecting the team's strong position against the 114th-ranked Demon Deacons.

As the 2024 football season draws near, NC State fans eagerly await seeing how the FPI projections unfold on the field. The Wolfpack's ranking and chances of success provide an optimistic outlook, fueling excitement for what promises to be a thrilling season.