News Summary
The Houston Cougars showcased a powerful performance against the Rice Owls, winning 35-9 in the Bayou Bucket rivalry. Quarterback Conner Weigman led the charge with a mix of passing and rushing touchdowns, while Dean Connors made a statement with notable rushing yards and touchdowns. The Cougars’ strong defensive efforts solidified their control of the game, allowing them to maintain their dominance in this long-standing rivalry, having won nine of the last ten matchups. Houston improves to 2-0 for the season and prepares for their next challenge against Colorado.
Houston – In a commanding performance, the Houston Cougars defeated the Rice Owls 35-9 on Saturday night in the annual Bayou Bucket rivalry matchup held at NRG Stadium. Quarterback Conner Weigman was instrumental in leading Houston to victory, throwing for 188 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing score.
Weigman extended Houston’s lead with a crucial 9-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, bringing the score to 14-3. He later connected with wide receiver Stephon Johnson for a remarkable 74-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, solidifying the Cougars’ dominance in the game.
In addition to Weigman’s performance, Dean Connors, a transfer from Rice, made a significant impact for Houston with an impressive 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries. Connors, who had previously celebrated a Bayou Bucket victory with Rice two years ago, expressed a strong appreciation for the rivalry while acknowledging his current commitment to Houston.
Connors’ contributions included a pivotal 54-yard touchdown run just before halftime, which allowed the Cougars to take a 7-3 lead into the locker room. He added a second touchdown in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard rush, further extending Houston’s advantage. Tanner Koziol also played a key role for Houston, catching six passes for 52 yards throughout the game.
Despite facing challenges offensively in the first half, Houston’s coaching staff remained calm and focused, avoiding panic during halftime adjustments. Their strategy paid off with a strong second-half performance, highlighted by defensive player Will James returning an interception for a touchdown, bringing the score to 21-3 early in the fourth quarter.
Rice’s quarterback Chase Jenkins completed 10 of 12 passing attempts for 50 yards and contributed a rushing touchdown from 3 yards out, which closed the gap to 21-9. Running backs Daelen Alexander and Quinton Jackson also contributed to the Owls’ efforts, rushing for 55 and 52 yards, respectively, as Rice achieved a total of 177 rushing yards out of 228 total offensive yards.
Rice’s head coach acknowledged issues with execution and consistency as pivotal factors in the loss. Meanwhile, Houston’s defense demonstrated formidable prowess, recording three sacks, eight tackles for loss, and forcing two turnovers throughout the game.
This victory signifies Houston’s continued supremacy in the rivalry, as they have now scored at least 31 points in 16 consecutive games against Rice and captured nine of the last ten matchups. As a result of their victory, Houston improves to 2-0 for the season and is set to host Colorado on Friday night. In contrast, Rice’s record now stands at 1-1 as they prepare to face Prairie View A&M on Saturday night.
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Additional Resources
- University of Houston Cougars Official Site
- Sports Illustrated
- Houston Chronicle
- Newsweek
- Rice Owls Official Site
- Wikipedia: Houston Cougars Football
- Google Search: Bayou Bucket rivalry
- Google Scholar: Houston vs Rice football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Houston Cougars
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
