What does ESPN's FPI projection say about the matchup between the Tennessee Vols and the NC State Wolfpack

The Tennessee Vols will take on the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday in Charlotte in a critical early-season matchup.

Tennessee and NC State each have hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff this fall, making Saturday's matchup nearly a must-win for both teams. A loss won't eliminate either team from playoff contention, but it will certainly make the road to get there a bit tougher.

Unfortunately for NC State, ESPN's Football Power Index thinks this game is going to be a blowout. And the FPI doesn't have it going in the Wolfpack's favor.

According to ESPN's Bill Connelly, the FPI has Tennessee winning by 19.1 points.

From ESPN : Tennessee has massive upside and a chance to make a statement on what should be a lovely Saturday evening in Charlotte, North Carolina. NC State has a chance to restart its season after an uncostly misstep. SP+ and FPI think the former is more likely than the latter.

Projections, of course, have zero impact on what will actually happen in a game. It's up to the players to go out and compete on every rep and win the game. It just so happens that the analytics like the Vols' chances to win big as long as the players execute on Saturday night.

Tennessee and NC State kick off at 7:30 PM ET on Saturday night. The game will air on ABC.

Related: Former Oklahoma HC Bob Stoops gives Tennessee Vols HC Josh Heupel a massive compliment