LINCOLN, Neb. -- Justice Hansen overthrew Kendrick Edwards in the end zone on the game's final play, allowing Nebraska to hold off Arkansas State 43-36 in a dramatic season opener Saturday night.
The Cornhuskers and their new 3-4 defense had no answer for Hansen, who threw for 415 yards and three touchdowns, including a 3-yarder to Edwards in the final minute that pulled the Red Wolves of the Sun Belt Conference within seven points.
Arkansas State recovered the onside kick and moved to the Huskers 11 with 9 seconds left. Lamar Jackson broke up a pass in the end zone for Justin McInnis.