As Penn State prepares for the upcoming College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame, the team is closely monitoring the status of their defensive standout, Abdul Carter, who sustained an injury during the Fiesta Bowl.
Abdul Carter, Penn State’s defensive end and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is currently dealing with an upper-body injury. The injury was sustained during Penn State’s recent 31-14 victory over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Despite this setback, there remains optimism within the team regarding Carter’s potential participation in the upcoming Orange Bowl against Notre Dame.
Coach James Franklin has expressed a positive outlook on Carter’s condition, stating, “At this point, I don’t think there’s anything that is stopping him from playing. But it’s just going to come down to how is he able to play? And we’ll see, but his mentality is great. He’s got a big smile on his face. He’s excited about this week. But it’s too early to say at this stage.” This statement reflects a combination of hope and uncertainty surrounding Carter’s availability.
The injury occurred in the first quarter against Boise State, where Carter appeared to suffer a shoulder or arm injury. Despite efforts to return to play, he exited for good in the second quarter after re-entering for a brief period. This marks a rare instance in Carter’s three-year career where his participation is in question, as he has never missed a game.
Carter’s performance this season has been remarkable, with 21 1/2 tackles for loss, ranking second among all FBS players. Additionally, with 11 sacks to his name, he leads the Penn State team and is fourth in total tackles with 63. His formidable presence has been critical to Penn State’s defensive strategy.
While Carter and fellow starter Dani Dennis-Sutton have been anchors in the defense, Penn State has seen contributions from other players as well. Amin Vanover and Smith Vilbert have been instrumental in the rotation at defensive end, and freshman Max Granville has increasingly appeared in recent games, showcasing the depth of the team’s defensive lineup.
As the team continues its preparations, which began on Friday, the focus remains on ensuring readiness for the game against Notre Dame. They are making the necessary adjustments, with Franklin emphasizing the importance of monitoring Carter’s recovery and practice sessions throughout the week.
The uncertainty surrounding Abdul Carter’s playtime adds an element of suspense to Penn State’s semifinal clash with Notre Dame. The team remains hopeful for his return, yet is ready to adapt as necessary, leaning on the depth of their roster to maintain competitive performance.
Source: Local10
