BYU's miracle last-second Hail Mary shocks Huskers

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Two seasons ago, it was Nebraska defeating Northwestern on a miraculous last-second Hail Mary in Lincoln.

Now the Huskers know how it feels.

Ahead by a point with a second remaining in Saturday's season-opening game against BYU, Nebraska's defense fell victim to a Hail Mary delivered by BYU's backup quarterback, sinking the Huskers, 33-28, in shocking fashion.

BYU star quarterback Taysom Hill was knocked out of the game in the second half with a foot injury, with backup Tanner Mangum taking over. After forcing a three-and-out with a 28-27 lead, Nebraska went on a three-and-a-half-minute drive to bring the game within its final minute. But kicker Drew Brown missed a 41-yard field-goal attempt, keeping the lead at just a point and giving BYU the ball. Mangum couldn't lead the Cougars into field-goal territory, forcing him to toss up a prayer with a second remaining on the clock. Receiver Micth Mathews came down with the pass, falling over the goal-line to deliver an incredible victory.

[MORE BIG TEN: Behind stellar defense, Northwestern chops down Stanford in upset]

Take a look:

(Video from BTN.com)

[MORE BIG TEN: Illini respond to tough week with absolute rout of Kent State]

Prior to the shocking conclusion, it had been a back-and-forth game. Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong had a pair of touchdown passes in the first quarter, with Hill contributing a touchdown run. The Cougars outscored the Huskers, 17-0, in the second quarter to take a 24-14 lead into halftime. But the Huskers scored a pair of touchdown in the third to retake the lead, with the Cougars getting within one on a fourth-quarter field goal before the Hail Mary.

Armstrong completed 24 of his 41 passing attempts for 319 yards and three touchdowns compared to one interception. Nebraska amassed 126 yards on the ground, though no back went over 50 yards individually. Westerkamp caught seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.

The Nebraska defense had an iffy day, surrendering 512 yards of total offense to BYU, including 380 through the air. But BYU was just 3-for-14 on third down. Nebraska also committed 12 penalties.

It's a crushing way for the Mike Riley Era to open in Lincoln.

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