Forget the White Out, there seems to be a new tradition in Happy Valley: throwing garbage on the field.

Folks, let’s cut to the chase. If you throw bottles onto the field, directed at players, coaches, or referees, you need to get a life.

I’ve found that most of the time, the students throwing trash care the least about Penn State football. They show up to boo during the big games, but leave after the first quarter for all the rest. It’s manufactured rage that stains the blue and white faithful.

Bad calls in college football happen, and so do losses. That’s just the nature of having 22-plus human beings on the field.

Penn State was built on its classy reputation. Success with honor also implies failures must be treated with equal grace.

It’s okay to be mad during a game, believe me, I’ve invested a great deal of time and energy into the Nittany Lions, and they’ve reciprocated the favor with a good deal of gut punches.

But must we stoop so low as to heave literal objects at people? At our classmates and fellow Penn Staters?

Many complain that constantly losing “big games” will deter recruits from the program. What I can assure you is that one loss won’t be the deciding factor in that decision.

What could impact it, however, is littering the field with cans after a poor play or coaching decision. Who in their right mind would want to play for a fan base that, instead of getting behind you, turns against you in a flash?

For the people thinking it’ll send a message, there are plenty of better ways to do that. If you want the on-field product to improve, maybe start by contributing to Penn State’s NIL fund. If you can afford to throw a full can of beer, you can afford to donate.

There’s also the issue of safety.

I’ve seen cheerleaders and photographers get hit with projectiles, and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

It’s time to bring back common sense, Nittany Nation. A .500 football team shouldn’t equate to 500 beer cans in the south end zone, nor should a defensive delay-of-game penalty.

If you’re unable to control your anger to the point where it could potentially harm others, maybe Beaver Stadium’s not for you.

May I recommend Cleveland?