Penn State All-America defensive end Abdul Carter has taken the field as a starter for Thursday night’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl, after days of speculation about whether he would be available.

Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter was healthy enough to play against Notre Dame - and he came out onto the field with a unique message on his eye black.

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.