Expectation is defined as the strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.

Right now, Penn State fans’ expectations are certainly high after a 4-0 start and two solids road wins over Purdue and Auburn. The expectations are undoubtedly deserving, but only to a point. Expectations are fine, but picking apart last week’s 19-point win over an opponent that has some proven playmakers and has consistently put points on the board this season, that’s when the Nittany Lions fan base starts to over step in my opinion.

Throughout the week, I personally have talked to many Penn State fans that were less than satisfied with the Nittany Lions’ performance against Central Michigan. My first and pretty much only reply is … “Have you been watching college football this season?”

On a weekly basis, small schools and huge underdogs seem to either upset a ranked team or push them to the edge.

Let me share this little secret with the naysayers who are unhappy “with the way Penn State looked” despite the team’s unbeaten start ... Listen up, it’s not easy to win college football games.

Central Michigan put up 44 points and passed for over 400 yards against a then No. 12 ranked and presently No. 9 ranked Oklahoma State team in week one. So, it’s not like the Chippewas are some push over. Penn State held Central Michigan to under 300 yards passing and under 100 yards rushing at 3.8 yards per carry, while holding them to its lowest point total of the season (14). They also turned the Chippewas over four times.

The Nittany Lions offense was definitely inconsistent on the day and left some points on the board, but they still accumulated over 400 yards of total offense. Most importantly, they won the game.

Ask fans of teams like, Texas A&M (loss to Appalachian State), Notre Dame (loss to Marshall) and Miami (loss to Middle Tennessee State) if they would have been happy with a 19-point victory?

Penn State will get back into its Big Ten schedule later today (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) as it takes on a reeling Northwestern team that has gotten off to a rocky 1-3 start and that has lost its last three games. Weather conditions are not going to be ideal for game time with rain showers likely and the temperature not expected to get above 60 degrees.

Because of the weather conditions, I expect the Nittany Lions to focus more on their run game with their offensive attack this week. If Penn State is going to win this football game, it’s going to need to run the football effectively. Northwestern has struggled against the run this season, giving up 161 rushing yards per game, which ranks 91st in the country. The Nittany Lions rushing attack is averaging 186 yards per game. It was freshman running back Kaytron Allen’s turn last week to see success in the run game as he carried the ball 13 times for 111 yards and one touchdown. Penn State is currently the only FBS school with two freshman who have rushed for 100 yards in a game this season. It will be crucial for both freshmen backs - Nick Singleton (376 rushing yards, 4 TDs, 9.0 yards per carry) and Allen - to get going early.

The Wildcats’ offense has had some trouble putting points on the board so far this season as they’re averaging just 23 points per game, which ranks 104th in the country. A big reason for Northwestern’s struggles has been its red zone offense, which ranks 83rd in the country. Penn State’s primary focus will need to be on dual-threat running back Evan Hull. Hull leads the team in rushing with 370 yards and three touchdowns at 4.4 yards per carry. He also leads the Wildcats in receiving with 29 catches for 311 yards and one receiving score. South Carolina transfer quarterback Ryan Hilinski has been good at times this season as he’s passed for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions. However, the Penn State defense coupled with the weather should serve as a tough match-up for the junior. The Nittany Lions recorded two interceptions and 13 pass breakups last week tallying double-digit pass breakups in a game for the second time this season, Penn State leads the country with 41 pass breakups - 16 breakups ahead of second-place team.

Don’t underestimate the Wildcats. Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald always has his team ready to play and they always play a tough and physical brand of football. But I just like where Penn State is at right now in its development. The Nittany Lions pass rush is really starting to come around and even when they’re not getting sacks, they’re generating pressure, which has been key to their (+8) turnover margin, which ranks fourth in the country.

This game won’t be pretty, but it’s an opportunity for the Penn State offense to show its improvement up front on the offensive line and I believe it will do so. I predict it will get a nice push in the trenches and put together a big day on the ground behind the freshmen running backs.

My prediction is Penn State 35, Northwestern 17.