Penn State got off to a hot start against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal, forcing two fumbles of Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty and dominating defensively en route to a 14-0 lead. However, Boise State answered to make it 14-7 once Penn State’s superstar defensive end Abdul Carter left the game in the second quarter.
ESPN’s Tom Luginbill reported that Carter was in the Penn State medical tent being evaluated for a left arm injury.
Abdul Carter just hopped in the medical tent with trainers. Appeared to be clutching his left arm/wrist during this drive.
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) January 1, 2025
Carter and fellow defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton were wrecking Boise State’s offensive gameplan in the first half, getting constant pressure on quarterback Maddux Madsen, and more importantly stifling Jeanty. Along with his multiple fumbles, one of which was recovered by Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley, the junior running back has been held to just 35 yards on his first 11 carries of the game.
Carter was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for his remarkable season. The former linebacker moved to defensive end this offseason and through the CFP first-round win over SMU at Beaver Stadium last week, Carter has 12 sacks and 56 quarterback pressures. Carter was the lone finalist for both the Bednarick and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defender, but he lost out on both to different players, Colorado’s Travis Hunter and South Carolina’s Kyle Kennard.
Je would be a massive loss for the Nittany Lions, who came into this matchup favored by double-digits.
On Penn State’s ensuing possession after Boise State’s touchdown to make it 14-7, Carter emerged from the medical tent and was seen on the exercise bike.
Abdul Carter Fiesta Bowl injury update:
Carter left the field in the second quarter of the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State with a left arm injury but emerged from the medical tent. He has yet to return to the field.