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Players to watch in College Football Playoff semifinal: Who could be the difference-makers?

Four teams remain in the College Football Playoff. Every team in semifinals has played two games and been successful with one or more players players providing standout moments. Now with two more wins needed to win a national championship, the spotlight and pressure is ramped up for every player that takes the field.

So who will be the difference-makers on Thursday and Friday that will lead their teams to victory? There's no shortage of playmaking stars set to take the field when Penn State face Notre Dame and Ohio State meets Texas.

Here are the players to watch for each team in the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl:

Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

The star defensive end was a dominant force on one of the toughest defenses in the country this season, picking up 11 sacks (7th-most in FBS), 21½ tackles for loss and 63 total tackles. The 2024 Big Ten defensive player of the year is a game-wrecker that requires offenses to know where he is and account for him prior to the snap.

However, Carter's status is uncertain after he left the Fiesta Bowl victory with an arm injury. The Nittany Lions managed without him, but he will be needed to help stop another potent rushing attack from Notre Dame. Penn State coach James Franklin said Carter will likely be able to play, but still will be a game-time decision. Carter's availability will be something to watch throughout the game.

WHO WINS?: Does Notre Dame or Penn State prevail in Orange Bowl?

ORANGE PREVIEW: Breaking down the Notre Dame-Penn State matchup

Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Price very well could be the starting running back on most teams across the country, and he could have the chance to lead the Fighting Irish in the semifinal.

Starter Jeremiyah Love was hurt in the Sugar Bowl and Price had to step in against the Bulldogs, putting up a modest 37 yards on 10 carries. Love is expected to play against Penn State, but Price will still carry some of the load for the rushing attack and could be called upon again if his running mate cant' operate at less than 100%. Price has big-play capabilities and while the Penn State defense has the best rushing defense Notre Dame will have faced this season, he could help spark the offense with a long run.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

Experience pays off, and when Henderson takes the field on Friday, it will be his 46th time suiting up for the Buckeyes. He doesn't draw as much attention as some of his teammates, but he has been a workhorse for Ohio State and a guy Ryan Day can depend on. Even though fellow running back Quinshon Judkins has gotten more of the carries this season, Henderson is the leading rusher for Ohio State.

While everyone focuses on the passing game featuring receiver Jeremiah Smith, Henderson makes defenses honor the running game, leaving less help for the secondary to handle the Ohio State passing game. In two the College Football Playoff Games, Henderson has run for a total of 174 yards and scored four touchdowns. He can break through the line for major gains, and can make an Ohio State offense even more explosive.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Ohio State has an elite receiving core, and if Texas wants any chance to match it, it will need another big game from Golden.

The Houston transfer put up a game-high 194 receiving yards on seven catches in the Peach Bowl, and he was the man quarterback Quinn Ewers went to in pivotal moments, most notably the fourth-and-13 conversion in overtime that tied the game for Texas against Arizona State.

Golden has been most productive at the end of the season, including a previous career-high 162 yards against Georgia in the SEC championship game. The Ohio State defense has made it tough for receivers to find success. The latest example in the Rose Bowl was limited Oregon's Tez Johnson to five catches for 32 yards. Golden will likely be Ewers' top option again, and he'll need to find open spots in the Buckeyes' coverage to help the offense keep up.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College Football Playoff players to watch in Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl