Typically, Penn State head coach James Franklin doesn’t discuss injuries on his team unless they are long-term. However, Franklin knows that Abdul Carter’s status ahead of the College Football Playoff Semifinals warrants plenty of intrigue across the sport.

Penn State plays Notre Dame Thursday night in the Orange Bowl in one of the two College Football Playoff semifinals.

Abdul Carter, one of the top defensive players in the nation, appears to be ready to play in tonight's College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame. Though the Penn State football star defensive end had his left shoulder wrapped and his left arm cloaked in a protective sleeve,

Penn State All-America defensive end Abdul Carter took the field as a starter for Thursday night's College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl, after days of speculation about whether he would be available.

Penn State’s All-American pass rusher Abdul Carter made the start for Penn State in the Orange Bowl channeling his inner Darth Vader and playing through an injury. Carter had teased his availability for the game against Notre Dame on Thursday afternoon with a Star Wars clip showing the transformation of Darth Vader.

The first College Football Playoff semifinal will feature Penn State and Notre Dame. A breakdown of the keys to victory in the Orange Bowl.

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is suited up and prepared to play vs. Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl.