The rookie tight end totaled 29 receptions for 331 yards and a touchdown this season.
Penn State extended its undefeated start to 8-0 for the first time since 1993-94.
The Nittany Lions stayed at No. 4 for the third week in a row.
Gracie Merkle, Alli Campbell, and Grace Hall led the way in the inaugural WBCA State Farm Showcase in Orlando.
Kern's electric score put the exclamation point on Penn State's fifth win of the season.
Carter became Penn State's first finalist since Carl Nassib in 2015.