3 Penn State players who could make or break James Franklin's natty aspirations in CFP semifinal

James Franklin and Penn State are trying to get over a significant hurdle. He has done a solid job keeping Penn State among the most competitive teams in the Big Ten. But the knock on his work at State College is that he doesn't win the big game. But with a pair of CFP wins under his belt, Franklin and State could be changing the narrative.

With a 13-2 season, PSU's only two losses were one-score defeats to Ohio State and Oregon, a pair of other CFP teams. But those would be easily atoned for with a victory over Notre Dame to reach the CFP title game.

Here are three Nittany Lions who will be key to Franklin and State's effort to get over the biggest hump.

3 Penn State players key to CFP semifinal win

Penn State QB Drew Allar is pivotal to the Nittany Lions's national title hopes. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#3, Drew Allar, QB

Allar has long been a solid game-manager quarterback, but for State to reach the next level, he needs a big game vs. Notre Dame. A year ago, Allar played like a guy programmed to not make mistakes. He threw just two interceptions in 389 pass attempts. But he also averaged just 6.8 yards per attempt and Penn State lost three games.

This year, Allar has thrown seven interceptions. But he's also connecting for 8.6 yards per attempt and has been able to make more big plays. It is worth noting that PSU's two losses saw Allar averaging 7.1 and 5.8 yards per pass. It's less about avoiding mistakes than creating explosive plays for the Nittany Lions.

#2, Tyler Warren, TE

Warren is not only Penn State's best receiver, he's the best tight end in the country. With 98 receptions for 1,158 yards, he's Penn State's go-to guy in the passing game. He had two touchdowns in the win over Boise State.

In PSU's two losses, Warren caught 11 passes for 131 yards combined. Not awful numbers, but mediocre for him. When he has a touchdown, Penn State is 7-0. Warren could be the guy to keep the chains moving and Penn State rolling to the CFP title game.

#1, Abdul Carter, DE

A junior defensive end, Carter may be the best defensive player in college football. He has 63 tackles on the season with a mammoth 21.5 tackles for loss covering minus-115 yards. That includes 11 QB sacks, which covered -81 yards.

Carter has been so good that he's almost always productive. In the loss to Ohio State, he had a pair of sacks. But Oregon held Carter without a tackle for loss. Carter's big-play ability could put Notre Dame in long-yardage situations and create havoc. He's the most important player for Franklin and the Nittany Lions.

What do you think of Penn State's Big 3? Agree or have other choices? Share them below in the comments section!