The Force is strong with Abdul Carter. On Thursday, the Penn State defensive standout wore eyeblack that read “Darth Vader.” The seemingly odd choice was a reference to a post he’d made on X earlier in the week.

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.

Penn State’s star pass rusher Abdul Carter posted a cryptic message ahead of the Orange Bowl that appears to indicate he will play on Thursday night. Carter posted a video on

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 anticipates All-America defensive end Abdul Carter playing against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal, though coach James Franklin says it will be a game-time decision.

Penn State star defensive end Abdul Carter will be a "game-time decision" for the Orange Bowl on Thursday night, coach James Franklin said Wednesday. Carter suffered an apparent left arm/shoulder injury in the Nittany Lions' Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State on Dec.

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.

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.