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.

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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 ([email protected]), or Signal (iamjoelister.93).

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