Carter, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to be a game-time decision against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

Abdul Carter has been a huge part of Penn State's defense this season, as the junior defensive end has compiled 11 sacks and two forced fumbles. But he suffered an injury in the win over Boise State back on New Year's Eve.

Just four teams remain in pursuit of a college football national championship. It all gets underway later tonight, when Notre Dame takes on Penn State in the Orange Bowl. The winner of that game will face the winner of Friday night’s Cotton Bowl Classic between Texas and Ohio State.