While speaking to the media, Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin labeled star defensive end Abdul Carter a game-time decision. As a result, social media has been discussing what Carter’s potential absence could mean for the Nittany Lions’ chances of defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish later this week.
The Nittany Lions take on the Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff’s Orange Bowl semifinal contest. The game will be played at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
The winner of that matchup will play either the Texas Longhorns or the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff National Championship and have a chance to hoist this year’s national championship.
What Did James Franklin Reveal About Abdul Carter?
Franklin revealed that, though the program expects Carter to play and that he is doing everything in his power to do so, he is still listed as a game-time decision at this time.
“We anticipate Abdul playing. He’s doing everything he possibly can to play … but it’ll be a game-time decision. And we’ll see,” Franklin stated.
James Franklin gives an update on star defensive end Abdul Carter, who is expected to be a game-time decision on Saturday night. “We anticipate Abdul playing. He’s doing everything he possibly can to play….but it’ll be a game-time decision. And we’ll see.” pic.twitter.com/9AVyonpW8W
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 8, 2025
In response, one user explained their belief that Carter’s absence would be a big blow for Penn State.
“That would be a big loss for them if he can’t go,” they detailed.
That would be a big loss for them if he can't go.
— Rebel Man (@RebelMan32) January 8, 2025
Meanwhile, one individual expressed how important Carter was in comparison to the entire Nittany Lions roster.
“Huge news if he can’t go. Their best player by a wide margin,” they said.
Huge news if he can’t go. Their best player by a wide margin
— Terps Recruiting (@TerpRecruiting) January 8, 2025
Finally, one person joked around with the original tweet’s wrong date for the game. The original post indicated that the game would be played on Saturday when in reality the contest will take place on Thursday.
“expected to be a game-time decision on Saturday night. Hope they know before that since the game is scheduled for Thursday night ????” they outlined.
expected to be a game-time decision on Saturday night. Hope they know before that since the game is scheduled for Thursday night ????
— bkbob8742 (@bkbob8742) January 8, 2025
Abdul Carter’s Importance to Penn State
Carter is one of if not the most important players on the Nittany Lions roster. On the campaign, he has 63 total tackles, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles. In addition, he projects to be one of the first players taken in next April’s NFL Draft.
According to College Football Network’s recent three-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft completed by Kade Nix, Carter is projected to be selected No. 6 overall by the Carolina Panthers.
“Abdul Carter is currently my favorite defensive player in the class, and for Carolina, it would be a steal to get a guy like him with the sixth overall pick.
“It’s hard not to see the similarities between Carter and former Penn State edge rusher Micah Parsons. Aside from wearing the No. 11, both Nittany Lions transferred from LB to EDGE and had tremendous seasons at Penn State.
“Carter is a physical freak with a plethora of tools to cause disruption. With his elite burst and incredible bend off the edge, he would be my early pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year.”
READ MORE: ‘Revenge of the St1x’ – Carter Teases Injury Return With Cryptic Social Post
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