STATE COLLEGE -- Kaytron Allen’s finest moments as a Penn State player likely occurred in the Nittany Lions’ 31-14 Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State.

Penn State's Abdul Carter, the Big Ten defensive player of the year, was injured in the Fiesta Bowl but is pivoting toward playing vs. Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

The Nittany Lions head coach shared where the Big Ten's top defensive player stands ahead of the game against Notre Dame.

STATE COLLEGE – Penn State star edge rusher Abdul Carter left the Lions’ 31-14 win over Boise State in the second quarter with an apparent injury to his left arm/shoulder area. He did not return.

Granted, Penn State has had a relatively easy road through the first weeks of the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions took on SMU, the last team to earn a spot in the playoff, in the opener, and won, 38-10. And this week, it was on to the Fiesta Bowl, where Penn State beat Boise State of the lightly regarded Mountain West Conference, 31-14.

Carter’s status remains to be determined after he left the Fiesta Bowl in the second quarter with an injury and did not return.

Penn State DE Abdul Carter suffered an arm injury early in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State. However, he may not be shelved in the semifinals.

Penn State coach James Franklin thinks there's a chance defensive star Abdul Carter will be back for College Football Playoff semifinals against Notre Dame

Typically, Penn State head coach James Franklin doesn’t discuss injuries on his team unless they are long-term. However, Franklin knows that Abdul Carter’s status ahead of the College Football Playoff Semifinals warrants plenty of intrigue across the sport.