Saturday, September 9
Houston, Texas
6 p.m.
University of Houston
at
Rice
Game Preview: Rice
9/8/2023 9:00:00 AM | Football
Cougars go for eighth-straight Bayou Bucket at Rice
HOUSTON – Houston and Rice renew their rivalry for the 45th time when the Cougars visit the Owls. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Rice Stadium on Saturday.
| GAME 2 - RICE |
rv/rv Houston (1-0, 0-0 Big 12) at Rice (0-1, 0-0 American)
Saturday | 6 p.m. CT
Rice Stadium | Houston, Texas
Broadcast: NFL Network
Radio: KPRC AM 950
| WHAT TO WATCH FOR |
- Saturday marks the 45th all-time meeting between Houston and Rice and the 42nd to decide possession of the Bayou Bucket. The Cougars lead the all-time series against the Owls, 33-11. Houston's seven-game win streak in the series (2011-present) is the longest by either school in the history of the rivalry.
- Houston's seven game win streak against Rice is the fifth longest streak among active FBS trophy matchups (played in the last four seasons), trailing only:
Streak Opponent Trophy W14 Kansas State vs. Kansas Governor's Cup W12 Clemson vs. Boston College O'Rourke-McFadden Trophy W9 Wisconsin vs. Nebraska Freedom Trophy W8 Iowa vs. Minnesota Floyd of Rosedale
- Houston and Rice have the shortest distance between two FBS programs (4.6 driving miles). The two cross-town programs began competing for the Bayou Bucket trophy in 1974 after it was created by the Touchdown Club of Houston.
- Houston's 10 regular season road victories since the start of the 2021 season are tied for the most nationally with UTSA. Its 21 overall wins in the span ranks eighth nationally, second in Texas (UTSA, 23) and tops among current Big 12 Conference members. The Cougars have won 10 of their last 12 road games including going undefeated (6-0) in 2021. Houston followed it up a season ago with a 4-2 mark on the road.
| FIVE THINGS TO KNOW |
- Houston has scored 31-plus points in 13 consecutive games against Rice (2005-present). In the rivalry's 44 games played, the Cougars have eclipsed 50 points seven times, 60 points five times and 70 points twice, coming in 2009 and 2011.
- Houston is one of 11 teams nationally and is the lone Big 12 Conference program with three-or-fewer penalties and no turnovers through the first week of the season. The last time the Cougars committed three or fewer penalties without a turnover was Nov. 13, 2021, at Temple.
- The Cougars three interceptions are the fifth-most nationally thanks to a pair from senior defensive back Malik Fleming whose two picks are tied for second nationally. Fleming has five interceptions in his last eight games.
- In its season opener against UTSA, 42 first-year Cougars dressed including 22 who made their Houston debuts. Among those newcomers, six made their first UH starts: Quarterback Donovan Smith, running back Tony Mathis Jr., defensive lineman David Ugwoegbu, defensive back Malik Fleming, defensive back Isaiah Hamilton and defensive back A.J. Haulcy.
- Houston leads all Texas FBS programs with 99 victories since the start of the 2011 season and 81 wins since 2013. The Cougars are 25-9 in the month of September since 2013 and 25-11 against in-state opponents since 2011.
| SCOUTING RICE |
- Rice returns 55% of its game starts from last year on offense (79 of 143) and 62% on defense (89 of 143).
- In five seasons at Rice, Mike Bloomgren's offenses have not averaged less that 31:28 per game in time of possession and have averaged at least 32:40 in four of five seasons: 2018, 32:41; 2019, 31:28; 2020, 36:00; 2021, 33:14; 2022: 32:48.
- By position, the Owls return all 13 starts at Left Tackle (Servin), Nose Tackle (Izeya Floyd 10; Blake Boenisch 2; De'Braylon Carroll 1); Rush End (Pearcy); Will LB (Morrison 10, Andrew Awe 3); Right CB (Dunbar 12, Tre'Shon Devones 1) and Strong Safety (Taylor).
- Quarterback J.T. Daniels is playing for his fourth school (USC, Georgia, West Virginia, Rice) and has seven 300-yard passing games over his career.
| LAST TIME AGAINST RICE |
- Houston defeated Rice 34-27 in a game that came down to the final play.
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The Cougars forced two fourth quarter turnovers to win the game.
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Houston had a total of 427 yards of total offense with 249 passing yards and 178 rushing yards
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Quarterback Clayton Tune had a total of 249 passing yards.
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Head coach Dana Holgorsen is 2-0 all-time against Rice.
| A HOUSTON WIN WOULD |
- Improve Houston to 119-43-2 when competing as a ranked team.
- Move Houston to 34-11 all-time against Rice including a 18-7 mark at Rice Stadium.
| COOGS ON THE ROAD |
- The UH Alumni Association and Cougar Pride invite you to hit the road with us as we rally to support the Cougars as they take on the Rice Owls. This is your chance to experience the camaraderie, excitement and spirit that comes with being part of the Cougar community. To secure your spot, we ask that you register as soon as possible by clicking here.
- Giveaways at Alumni Association and Cougar Pride event at Rice:
- Beat Rice Button
- Mechanical fan
- Shasta fan
- Food provided by Brookstreet BBQ
- Giveaways at Alumni Association and Cougar Pride event at Rice:
- Students can get a $20 ticket to the game by using their CougarNet email by clicking here.
TICKETS ON SALE
Be a part of history! We have waited nearly 30 years to be in the Big 12 Conference and this is your only chance to be at the first-ever Houston Big 12 game. It's Houston and TCU. It's history.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Players Mentioned
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