James Franklin: Abdul Carter will do ‘everything in his power’ to play in College Football Playoff Semifinal

Penn State football kept its season alive for at least one more week, running away from the Boise State Broncos in the fourth quarter to win 31-14. As they now prepare to head to South Beach for the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl, perhaps item No. 1 on the Nittany Lions’ to-do list is to determine the status of star edge rusher Abdul Carter. 

“With Abdul, I don’t know a whole lot,” James Franklin said after the game. “We’ll get that checked out and see. Obviously, number one, the safety and health and welfare of our guys is priority number one.”

Carter entered the Penn State football medical tent during Boise State’s second-quarter scoring drive. He emerged mere moments later, favoring his left shoulder. 

The junior defensive end ultimately finshed the game watching from the sidelines, sans helmet. The ESPN broadcast at the end of the second quarter did show Carter receiving additional wrappings around his left bicep and shoulder.

While not showing up in the box sheet on Tuesday night, Carter was critical in an aggressive Nittany Lions defensive performance for the quarter and a half that he was in the game. Penn State football finished the night with three sacks and four forced turnovers. 

Getting the star edge rusher back will be critical if Penn State football hopes to reach the national title game. And if Carter has his way, he will take the field when the Nittany Lions get to Miami next week.

“I know Abdul will want to play next week and he’ll do everything in his power to play next week, if he’s able to,” Franklin added. “We’ll find out more. I don’t have a whole lot more information than that.”

You can watch James Franklin’s full postgame press conference on the Basic Blues Nation YouTube Channel.

Penn State football will face the winner of Notre Dame vs. Georgia in Wednesday night’s Sugar Bowl.

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