As kickoff for the Orange Bowl nears, questions about two stars in the game and their health loom large for both teams.
On Thursday night, another chapter in college football history books is set to be written as two blue-bloods of the sport prepare to clash. No. 5 seed Notre Dame will battle No. 4 seed Penn State for a spot in the national title game. But both teams are unsure if two of their brightest stars will be available.
Under the lights of the Orange Bowl, a question looms large for Penn State: Will Abdul Carter take the field? The Nittany Lions’ standout defensive end remains a “game-time decision,” as head coach James Franklin shared Wednesday. Carter, a dominant force off the edge, has been battling a left arm or shoulder injury sustained in Penn State’s Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State.
On the other side, Notre Dame is unsure if their star running back, Jeremiyah Love, will be ready to go for the Irish. So, where does each star stand just a few days away from kickoff?
Injury Update on Penn State’s Abdul Carter for the Orange Bowl
Despite limited practice, hope remains. Franklin expressed cautious optimism, noting the team is “hopeful” and “expecting” Carter to suit up, though no guarantees were offered. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen echoed the sentiment, praising Carter’s determination to be ready.
“We anticipate Abdul playing,” Franklin said. “He’s doing everything he possibly can to play. His approach has been awesome. He’s lived in the training room. But, it’ll be a game-time decision. We’ll see. Abdul’s approached this the right way. He wants to play. We are hopeful and expecting Abdul to play. And we’ll see how this plays out.”
Abdul Carter has outrageous bend. pic.twitter.com/Cyf3wuKaPR https://t.co/rHfnw7Eqo3
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 1, 2025
A menace to opposing offenses, Carter’s impact is undeniable. Ranked second nationally in tackles for loss (22), the junior earned first-team All-American honors and projects as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With 11 sacks this season and 22 for his career, his presence demands constant attention in pass protection.
Carter’s resolve shines through as he teased his return on social media with Star Wars-themed clips, a nod to his tenacity. As Penn State prepares for Thursday’s challenge, all eyes will be on Carter, whose presence could tip the scales in the Orange Bowl.
Injury Update on Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love for the Orange Bowl
On the other sideline of the Orange Bowl, all eyes turn to Notre Dame’s star running back, Jeremiyah Love. Despite tweaking his right knee in the regular season finale and aggravating it in the Sugar Bowl, Love is practicing and expected to play. His resilience mirrors his season—one defined by brilliance and grit.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman updated his star running back’s status. “He’s had a good week of practice,” Freeman said. “We have to be smart about how much we’re asking him to do in practice. We gotta get him ready for the game, but he’s confident. Nobody feels 100 percent, but J-Love will be good to go.”
Marcus Freeman said that running back Jeremiyah Love had a good week of practice.
“No one feels 100% but J-Love will be ready to go” pic.twitter.com/qYCaGQlOT0
— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) January 8, 2025
Love has been a cornerstone of the Fighting Irish offense, amassing 1,076 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns across 14 games. Scoring in 13 of those contests, his consistency has propelled Notre Dame forward. Yet, questions linger. During practice, Love wore a substantial knee brace and moved gingerly, raising concerns about how effective he could be in a pivotal, low-scoring matchup.
With a staggering 7.3 yards per carry this season, Love’s breakout sophomore campaign has elevated him to one of the most vital players in the Irish lineup. However, if his mobility is limited, the Irish may lean more heavily on junior running back Jadarian Price. A formidable complement to Love, Price has posted 720 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, and an impressive 6.5 yards per carry.
The Orange Bowl will be a test of fortitude for Love and Notre Dame’s offense. His presence, even at less than full strength, could tip the scales in this hard-fought battle.
