The Orange Bowl on January 9 will feature Penn State and Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals, with both teams grappling with fatigue and injuries after grueling seasons. Penn State is set to play its record 16th game, while Notre Dame enters its 15th, with key players on both sides managing late-season injuries.
Penn State’s most significant injury concern revolves around defensive end Abdul Carter, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Carter was injured during Penn State’s 31-14 victory over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and did not return for the second half. Head coach James Franklin provided an optimistic update, describing Carter’s attitude and approach as positive. However, Carter was absent from a 15-minute practice session open to reporters. Franklin stated that Carter’s availability would depend on how he feels and the extent of his practice participation during the week. For now, there’s no definitive obstacle preventing him from playing.
On Notre Dame’s side, head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed that tight end Cooper Flanagan would miss the Orange Bowl and the rest of the playoffs. Flanagan, a critical part of the team’s run-blocking scheme despite limited receptions this season, sustained an injury during Notre Dame’s Sugar Bowl win over Georgia. Freeman noted that Flanagan is the only player officially ruled out for the game.
Other injuries could still affect both teams. Penn State is monitoring defensive starters Dani Dennis-Sutton and A.J. Harris. Dennis-Sutton, who had an impactful game against Boise State, left the Fiesta Bowl late but appeared fine afterward and participated in practice drills. Harris’s condition remains uncertain following an apparent late-game injury. Additionally, Penn State continues to manage long-term injuries to players like offensive tackle Anthony Donkoh, safety KJ Winston, running back Cam Wallace, and defensive linemen Zuriah Fisher and Alonzo Ford Jr. However, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen appear fully healthy after dealing with issues earlier in the season.
Notably, Penn State will not release an availability report for the Orange Bowl. The Big Ten requires such reports two hours before kickoff for conference games, but this is not mandated for the College Football Playoff. The team did not release a report ahead of its Fiesta Bowl game.
Notre Dame, beyond Flanagan’s absence, emerged from the Sugar Bowl without additional significant injuries, according to Freeman. However, the team has faced numerous injuries throughout the season, particularly on both offensive and defensive lines. Star defensive lineman Rylie Mills, the team leader in sacks and tackles for loss, was injured during the first-round game against Indiana. Earlier in the season, injuries affected starting center Ashton Craig, defensive end Jordan Botelho, and left tackle Charles Jagusah, the latter of whom has not played this year.
Running back Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame’s leading rusher, had a quiet performance against Georgia, gaining just 10 yards on six carries and spending time in the injury tent. Love remains listed as the team’s top running back, while defensive lineman Howard Cross III, who was also hurt, continues to start on the depth chart. Offensive guard Rocco Spindler played through an injury in the Sugar Bowl as well.
The Orange Bowl kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both teams aim to overcome their injury challenges as they prepare for this pivotal playoff matchup.