ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Matt Scott watched helplessly as Nevada kicked a field goal to pad its lead. The Arizona quarterback already had been intercepted twice, and now needed two quick scores and some luck — in a hurry, too — to somehow win the New Mexico Bowl.

Scott admitted he didn't have "positive" thoughts before returning to the field.

But in the final 46 seconds, Scott threw two short touchdown passes and college football's bowl season started with a wild one as Arizona rallied past Nevada 49-48 Saturday.

Overcoming a slow start and three big turnovers, Arizona (8-5) recovered an onside kick in the last minute, setting up Scott's 2-yard toss to Tyler Slavin with 19 seconds left to tie the score. John Bonano kicked the winning extra point..

"It's not easy to come back from that situation," Scott said. "You're not necessarily going to think the most positive thing at the time, but we went out there and took care of business. It was just a big drive. I still can't believe it."

Arizona trailed 21-0 in the first quarter and was down 45-28 entering the fourth quarter. Scott was 28 of 47 for 382 yards. He threw three TD passes in the fourth quarter.

"I mean, it's improbable," first-year Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez said.

The nation's leader in rushing yards per game, Ka'Deem Carey, gained 172 yards for the Wildcats.

Arizona receiver Austin Hill caught eight passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, including a 2-yarder with 46 seconds left.

Stefphon Jefferson, the nation's second-leading rusher, ran for 180 yards for Nevada (7-6).

Nevada coach Chris Ault said the Wolf Pack's pass defense didn't make a play when it was needed.

"Well, it's a sick feeling," Ault said. "Congratulations to Arizona. They held in there and did it, but it's a sick feeling."