James Franklin is all about his Xs and Os. His game plan in both rounds of the CFP so far had a common theme. Perhaps afforded to him by the relatively facile opposition. Penn State essentially never got out of 2nd gear. The games were akin to a game-manager archetype QB. Franklin chose control over chaos and sat on leads rather than expel much energy. He would’ve wanted to have a surplus of energy for this juncture, going against a physical Notre Dame team. However, his plans have been rendered futile. Penn State will seemingly be without their most physically imposing and best player, Abdul Carter. At least at full capacity.

EDGE Carter exited the last game against Boise State in the first quarter itself owing to a shoulder/arm injury. Notre Dame managed to cope on the day. But Notre Dame is a different proposition. Abdul Carter was an especially vital element in this matchup. Because of Marcus Freeman’s ground-and-pound style of offense. These sentiments were relayed by the most prominent CFB voice in the national media, so that doesn’t bode too well for the Nittany Lions’ prospects.

Joel Klatt, over on his namesake YouTube show, dissected some key, underlying facets of the Orange Bowl. Abdul Carter’s presence, or lack thereof, was naturally at the epicenter. Klatt alluded to the net negative impact losing their “cornerstone” will have on their run defense aside from the obvious problem of getting to the quarterback. “[Abdul Carter] has to be on the field. I’m just telling you right now,” claimed Klatt. He proceeded to elaborate on how his omission will lead to opposition QB Riley Leonard unlocking his best attributes.

“Penn State needs Carter because of the idea that Riley Leonard is so effective running the football. Not just on quarterback designed runs. But after, when he decides to scramble” said Joel Klatt. “Carter being on the field is such a huge part of Penn State’s defensive success in this game. His athleticism will allow them to defend that aspect of Riley Leonard.” Leonard is not somebody who does most of his damage from the pocket. Without Carter’s pass rushing, in tandem with his ability to drop deep in coverage, Riley Leonard could feast. As it stands, Abdul Carter is not in team training. Even if he does feature, he will not be at 100%.

As a bit of a morbid silver lining, Notre Dame are also handicapped. Star running back Jeremiyah Love’s status is up in the air owing to a knee injury. The Love and Leonard 1-2 punch in running the ball is Marcus Freeman’s most potent weapon. Without Love in the backfield, the defense can singularly focus on Riley Leonard. Notre Dame will also miss D-tackle Riley Mills, who leads them in sacks on the year. A lot is inconspicuous about the dynamics that will settle this Orange Bowl tie . If one Penn State insider’s discernment of the Abdul Carter situation is to go by, they’ll need all hands on deck.

Intel about Abdul Carter doesn’t exude confidence regarding his involvement

Insider Nate Bauer leveraged his intel about Carter in the lead-up. He very begrudgingly had to permeate some sorrow into the fanbase. “It’s almost like [the] grief of going through the stage…I’m not the Grim Reaper here” he said. “But [our] best guy, the guy that [we] love and is an absolute wrecker, probably can’t be that in this game. I don’t see how that’s possible.” A collective sigh just got taken up in College Station. Bauer then implied the importance of Abdul Carter to the team and their chance in this game.

“Every possible resource that Penn State has, that humanity has, to heal somebody will be devoted to getting [Carter] in shape to be able to play this game. I just am on the side of realism” he said. Bauer did leave his decree about whether Carter would indeed see the field or miss out open-ended. But he believes Carter is not his usual demolishing self.

Amidst this uncertainty around Abdul Carter, one thing is definitive. If he’s able to contribute, he will. Even if it’s at a reduced capacity. The sheer sight of him is enough to strike fear into Riley Leonard and give him second thoughts in the pocket. James Franklin and the Happy Valley faithful will hope he makes a miraculous recovery. Something athletes of his ilk are capable of.