James Franklin said he anticipates Penn State football defensive end Abdul Carter to play in Thursday’s Orange Bowl in a Wednesday joint press conference, but added that Penn State’s defensive star would be a “game-time” decision.

Carter was injured against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and didn’t play past the second quarter with what appeared to be a knock to his left shoulder. Carter, who finished the day without registering any stats, returned to the sideline in the second half without his helmet and a black brace or cast around his arm.

Franklin again integrated that Carter’s had a strong mentality approaching his recovery process, and gave a nod to Carter’s cryptic social media posts, where the defensive end has taken on the persona of Darth Vader.

Penn State faces Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. The winner will face either Texas or Ohio State in the national championship.

About the Author

Joe Lister

Joe, shockingly, was Onward State's managing editor from 2024-25. It was an honor. He's off employed doing journalism things, hopefully. If you want to complain about anything he's ever written, you can find him on Twitter (iamjoelister), email (jlister2021@gmail.com), or Signal (iamjoelister.93).

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