It’s going to be damp. It’s going to be cold. But who cares, because it’s going to be “white out” conditions later this evening when No. 7 Penn State hosts No. 24 Iowa (7:30 ET, CBS) in what is always a raucous night game environment.

First, let’s get into some of the things I have been hearing all week long from people regarding the offense’s performance last week. The consensus among those complaining - and it’s been a strong number of Nittany Lions fans in addition to the Penn State haters in the area - is that there should be some concerns about the Nittany Lions’ offense.

“The young quarterback didn’t look too good ... the running game didn’t look good ... etc. etc.”

I am assuming these thoughts are because the week before, Kansas put together a strong offensive performance against the Illini - and last week Penn State statistically did not.

But listen up PSU fans that is more than OK. It was the Nittany Lions’ first Big Ten game and its first road game and in an Illini “orange out.”

The Illinois defensive front, despite its struggles against Kansas, is still pretty darn good and remember, quarterback Drew Allar is just a sophomore.

I agree, he didn’t play lights out, but he managed the offense and didn’t turn the ball over. In fact, the Penn State offense has yet to turn the ball over this season.

The only thing I tend to agree with is that the run game does need to be better or I would say, needs to be more explosive.

Penn State is ranked 22nd in the country in rushing offense at 208.3 yards per game, but Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have yet to break out. Allen leads the team with 42 carries for 208 yards and two touchdowns, and Singleton has 36 carries for 154 yards and five touchdowns.

“Right now, I think it’s been very obvious that over the first three weeks people are saying their defensive game plan is going to be based on stopping our running game. That is a combination of wide receivers, quarterbacks, tight ends, O-line protection, and running back protection. That’s all of it. So, that we can show that we can consistently beat you in the passing game and cause real significant problems if you choose to play that way,” Franklin said. “We’ve got to consistently show people that we can throw the ball over their heads because right now there’s no doubt about it, although I think Drew has shown what he’s able to do and what he’s capable of, I still think people are going to say to themselves that we can’t allow Kaytron and Nick to beat us.”

The weather conditions, which are forecast to be chilly and raining for kickoff, are an advantage for Iowa.

In those conditions it will be hard for Allar to throw deep.

So, Penn State’s offensive success will depend on the effectiveness of its run game.

In my opinion, this match-up comes down to the Iowa offense against the Penn State defense. Just like a season ago, the Iowa offense is struggling. The Hawkeyes are ranked 119th in the country in total offense, averaging just over 300 yards per game. They will also be without some key pieces because of injuries.

Star tight end Luke Lachey was lost for the season last week, and running backs Kaleb Johnson and Jaziun Patterson also will not play. Conditions certainly favor running the football and the Iowa passing attack has not been good this season, averaging just 150.7 yards per game.

The Nittany Lions defense has been solid throughout the season and showed its ability to force turnovers against Illinois, forcing five. Penn State is plus-7 on the season in turnover margin, which ranks it at third in the country.

Las Vegas has Penn State as a 14.5 point favorite.

I think this is the week Penn State’s rushing attack comes alive.

I like this veteran offensive line group and in the sloppy conditions, I think both Singleton and Allen will break off big runs. Don’t be surprised if offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich dials up one or two deep shots to keep the Hawkeyes’ defense honest.

I also think the Penn State defense could have a really good day against the Iowa offense. The Hawkeyes’ offense is not explosive and Penn State’s defensive speed and the ability to generate tackles for loss will make it tough for Iowa to both run and throw the football, especially with it having several important play makers not playing.

My pick is Penn State 34, Iowa 12.