News Summary
The University of Houston football team triumphed over crosstown rival Rice University with a decisive 35-9 victory in the 44th annual Bayou Bucket. Dean Connors’ standout performance, along with a solid defense, led to UH’s second consecutive win against the Owls. The Cougars showcased their offensive strengths and defensive resilience, securing a commanding lead after initially trailing. The victory not only adds to their rivalry success but also sets a positive tone as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the Big 12 Conference.
Houston
The University of Houston (UH) football team delivered a strong performance on September 6, 2025, winning the 44th edition of the Bayou Bucket by defeating crosstown rival Rice University 35-9. This victory marks UH’s second consecutive win in the rivalry, bringing their total to nine wins in the last ten meetings against the Owls.
Dean Connors emerged as a standout player for UH, rushing for 132 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including a pivotal 54-yard run right before halftime that contributed to the team’s momentum. Despite initially trailing after Rice kicked a field goal to take a 3-0 lead, UH rebounded by scoring 21 unanswered points, demonstrating a commanding presence throughout the rest of the game.
In addition to the team’s powerful offense, the Cougars’ defense was impressive, forcing Rice to punt four times, recovering a fumble, and allowing only a 42-yard field goal in the first half. Defensive back Will James made significant contributions with a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown, which further solidified UH’s lead. In total, the defense registered three sacks, eight tackles for loss, and forced two turnovers, effectively neutralizing Rice’s offensive strategies.
UH quarterback Conner Weigman showcased his skills by completing 15 of 22 passes for 188 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown. While Rice managed to score their only touchdown in the fourth quarter through a rushing play by Chase Jenkins, it was not enough to close the gap. The Cougars finished the game with a total of 392 offensive yards, 231 of which came in a dominant second half, illustrating their ability to adapt and seize control.
The game took place at Rice Stadium, which heightened the intensity of this notable rivalry. Following the final whistle, UH players celebrated with the Bayou Bucket trophy, symbolizing the pride and significance of the victory. Defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr. expressed the importance of the trophy remaining with the Cougars, underscoring their commitment to maintaining this rivalry’s legacy.
Despite facing struggles in the first half, head coach Willie Fritz noted that the team did not panic during halftime. This kind of resilience proved vital as they prepared for their next challenge against Colorado, their Big 12 opener at TDECU Stadium.
Looking ahead, the continuation of the Bayou Bucket rivalry remains uncertain, as there are currently no future games scheduled between the two teams until at least 2030. This adds an extra layer of significance to this year’s triumph for the Cougars.
Overall, UH’s early-season performance reflects their dedication to improving and gearing up for the competitive landscape of the Big 12 Conference. The juxtaposition of their offensive dominance against Rice and their defensive prowess illustrates a balanced team ready to take on forthcoming challenges.
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Additional Resources
- University of Houston Cougars
- Houston Chronicle
- Hawaii News Now
- ESPN College Football Recap
- Google Search: Bayou Bucket
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.
