While Narduzzi placed Penn State at No. 9, Franklin left Pitt unranked.
Carter was committed to James Franklin's program for nine days.
"I think players, when they know and believe that you as a coach are in it for their best interest, they give you that little extra."
Franklin joined the company of four other head coaching legends after winning his third New Year's Six Bowl at the helm of the Nittany Lions.
The redshirt senior has one year of eligibility remaining as a grad transfer.
The game will kick off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15.