New Penn State Chant: We Are . . . Not Good Enough

I hear some Penn State fans are stunned by the crushing defeat Saturday at the hands of Michigan, a 41-17 spectacle that was not as close as the final score indicated. They shouldn’t be shocked.

These fans, who spend selected fall Saturdays chanting “We are” and answering “Penn State,” easily could have seen this coming if they cared to examine past and present. Let us explain it to them in a format they might understand.

We are . . . 2-14 against Top 10 competition under coach James Franklin, he of the decade-long contract extension based, apparently, on losing big games consistently.

We are . . . undisciplined, as Joey Porter Jr.’s early game personal foul penalty and numerous other miscues by Penn State players demonstrated.

We are . . . lucky to be ranked so highly (No. 10 ahead of this game) considering a lack of impressive victories, but that will change when the latest polls are announced.

We are . . . fortunate to be in contention at halftime of this Michigan game considering the lopsided nature of the offensive statistics.

We are . . . quarterbacked by Sean Clifford (The Big Red Shirt, Not Dog) who might qualify for Social Security before running out of eligibility.

We are . . . according to victorious Michigan players, boastful on social media and in the tunnel to the dressing rooms at halftime, but mute on the field.

We are . . . blessed with a new defensive coordinator, identified by sycophantic network broadcasters early in the game as the right fit for Penn State, which presumably explains surrendering 418 rushing yards and 41 points.

We are . . . unlikely ever again to contend seriously for a Big Ten title or National Championship unless both Michigan and Ohio State are put on probation — permanently.

We are . . . very likely going to absorb a similar pounding when Ohio State comes visiting in two weeks.

We are . . . able to beat Ohio University and Central Michigan, just not the two top-dog schools from those states. Michigan State tends to be a struggle, too.

We are . . . destined once again to ship off at season’s end to a lower-tier bowl game, where coach Franklin will bask in adulation over yet another successful season — if you don’t count the Michigan and Ohio State games — and will be awarded a contract extension in perpetuity.