Penn State expects Abdul Carter vs. irish call but playing time

DANIA BEACH, Fla. – Penn State expects All-America defensive end Abdul Carter to play against Notre Dame in Thursday’s College Football Playoff semifinal in the Capital One Orange Bowl, although coach James Franklin said Wednesday it will be a game-time decision.

Carter left the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl against Boise State last week in the first quarter with an apparent left arm injury and did not return to the game. His status for Thursday has become a major source of intrigue, something Franklin acknowledged when asked about Carter.

“We expect Abdul to play,” Franklin said. “He’s doing everything he possibly can to play. His approach has been great. He’s lived in the training room. But it’s going to be a game-time decision and we’ll see.”

Carter was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year after tallying 11 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries and 63 total tackles.

He has posted several messages on social media with clips from Star Wars indicating his possible return. In his latest post on Monday, Carter wrote “The revenge of the ST1X,” a reference to his No. 11 jersey.

“Abdul has approached this the right way. He wants to play,” Franklin said. “He’s been posting a ton of cryptic messages on social media. I learn as much from them as I do from our coaches. But we’re hopeful and expect Abdul to play and we’ll see how it plays out. “