2012 New Mexico Bowl final score: Arizona wins after stunning comeback, 49-48

The Arizona Wildcats put together two touchdown drives in the final two minutes to steal the win in a wild Gildan New Mexico Bowl, coming out on top of a game that featured 1,234 yards of total offense and 70 first downs.

After being down 21-0 early, the Wildcats found their rhythm and put up 21 unanswered points of their own. Nevada managed a field goal before the half and dominated much of the second half, but Arizona managed to keep it close and capitalized in the closing minutes.

Two Matt Scott interceptions in the second half threatened to ruin Arizona's chances, but the Wildcat defense held Nevada to just three points in the fourth quarter to leave the door open for Arizona's comeback. Getting the ball with just 1:48 remaining, Arizona appeared headed for disaster when Austin Hill fumbled a reception. Garic Wharton grabbed it out of midair for Arizona and managed to make it to the sideline, turning what could have been tragic into a positive. Scott went on to lead a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to pull the Wildcats within six. Arizona managed a successful onside kick and, starting from its own 49-yard line, Scott led another touchdown drive to snatch the victory away from Nevada. Scott was a perfect 8-for-8 on the final two drives.

Ka'Deem Carey is the hero of the Arizona offense, and he holds on to his national rushing title after out-gaining the opposing Stefphon Jefferson, 171 yards to 164. Carey had three touchdowns on the day, while Jefferson had two. Scott finished the day with 27-of-45 for 369 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, and Austin Hill led the receiving corps with nine catches for 179 yards. Fajardo's final line is 22-of-31 for 255 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Thirty-nine of the 70 first downs belonged to Nevada, good for the most first downs ever in a bowl game.