Predicting NC State’s 2022 regular season win total

NC State is looking to reach 10 wins in a single season for the first time since 2002.

With quarterback Devin Leary and several other key starters returning, the Wolfpack have a good chance to end that drought in 2022.

FanDuel set NC State’s win total for this season at 8.5. The Wolfpack have a difficult schedule, but getting to at least 9 regular season wins — with the potential to add a 10th in the postseason — seems feasible for this squad.

Here’s a video breaking down NC State’s regular season win total:

In addition to Leary, NC State returns three all-ACC defenders from a season ago: Safety Tanner Ingle, defensive end Cory Durden and linebacker Drake Thomas. That level of continuity should be a big factor for the Wolfpack’s defense in 2022. 

Of course, the Wolfpack will need to replace a couple of key p

ieces. Offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu was a first round pick in the NFL Draft. Running back Bam Knight also turned pro after totaling 2,623 scrimmage yards over the past 3 seasons.

NC State’s schedule sets up well for a big season. Outside of tough road games at Clemson and perhaps North Carolina, the Wolfpack will have a chance to be favored in the remainder of its regular season games. Potential tough matchups vs. Florida State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Texas Tech will all be played in Raleigh.

NC State opens the 2022 season at East Carolina on Sept. 3.