(WHTM) - 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.
Carter was seen in the game wearing a black sticker across his nose with "Darth Vader" written across. His pre-game message on social media had also contained the caption “Revenge of the ST1X. St1xc1ty returns in 6 hours,” a nod to his jersey number 11.
During pregame warmups, Carter caught up with two other former number 11 Nittany Lions, Micah Parsons and LaVar Arrington.
Carter made his presence known early, getting in on the action for Penn State's defense, which held Notre Dame's defense on the opening drive to no points. On the second drive Carter nearly picked up a sack.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 09: Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts as Riley Leonard #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on during the first quarter in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Carter entered the game wearing a wrap on his shoulder and Penn State head coach James Franklin said Carter looked good to play.
The winner of the Orange Bowl will play either Texas or Ohio State in the National Championship Game.
