Perhaps the biggest key for Penn State Football in Thursday night’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl, defensively, hinges on All-American edge rusher Abdul Carter’s injured arm.

Penn State coach James Franklin thinks there's a chance defensive star Abdul Carter will be back for College Football Playoff semifinals against Notre Dame.

The Nittany Lions head coach shared where the Big Ten's top defensive player stands ahead of the game against Notre Dame.

Notre Dame knows a thing or two about injuries along the defensive line. The Irish lost a pair of pass rushers earlier in the year when Boubacar Traore and Jordan Botelho both went down, and interior lineman Rylie Mills‘ final season in South Bend ended after an injury he suffered in the first round of the College Football Playoff against Indiana.

As Penn State prepares for a College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl this week, the biggest question for the Nittany Lions may be centered on the status of star edge rusher Abdul Carter.

Penn State fans dreaming of a run to a national championship are on pins and needles regarding the injury status of star defender Abdul Carter. Head coach James

The Big Ten defensive player of the year was injured in the Fiesta Bowl but is pivoting toward playing vs. Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

Penn State coach James Franklin said Saturday that it's "too early" to determine if All-American defensive end Abdul Carter (shoulder) will play in the CFP semifinals against Notre Dame.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Penn State is in college football’s Final Four. It wasn’t a clean performance, but James Franklin’s Nittany Lions were clearly the better team in the Fiesta Bowl, pulling away from Boise State for a 31-14 win at State Farm Stadium on Tuesday night.

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter was seen on the sidelines during the Nittany Lions' CFP Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal vs. Boise State. Injury update: