Coogs Cage Owls in Bayou Bucket Win

Donovan Smith and the University of Houston Cougars defeated crosstown rival Rice Owls Saturday by a score of 33-7 at TDECU Stadium. It marked the first win for new UH head coach Willie Fritz and secured the Bayou Bucket trophy. The Cougars defense kept the Owls offense out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. There is one game left in the series scheduled for the 2025 season unless the institutions find a way to extend the games for years to come. (Photos by Jack Gorman)

The Cougar defense stifles a Rice running back.
The University of Houston football team runs out on the field before the game against Rice University.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
The University of Houston football team runs out on the field before the game against Rice University.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
Rice running back Dean Connors rushes against the Cougar defense.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
Rice tight end Boden Groen #14 is tackled by a UH defender.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
Rice running back Dean Connors charges through the hole.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
UH running back Re’Shaun Sanford II is tackled by a Rice defender.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
UH tight end Maliq Carr is hit hard by Myron Morrison.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
UH lineback Michael Batton hits Rice quarterback.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
Re’Shaun Sanders II is hit in the helmet by a Rice defender.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
A Cougar cheerleader peps up the crowd.
UH running back Parker Jenkins is hit by a Rice defender
UH quarterback Donovan Smith passes the ball.
Rice head coach Mike Bloomgren looks on from the sideline.
Rice Owls cheerleaders pep up the crowd.
Fans show support for first year head coach Willie Fritz.
UH head coach Willie Fritz coaches from the sidelines.
Boogie Johnson runs for a touchdown after making a catch.
The UH offensive line ready for presnap.
Fans tailgate before the UH and Rice game.
Rice quarterback E.J. Warner passes the ball.
Rice cheerleaders pep up the crowd.
E.J. Warner is hit by lineman Carlos Allen.
Donovan Smith is sacked by the Rice defense.
Re’Shaun Sanders II rushes the ball against the Rice Owls.
Linebacker Myron Morrison looses his helmet.
The Rice defense celebrates a big stop.
Dean Connors is stopped by the Cougar defense.
Defense back Sean Fresch breaks up a pass intended for Jonah Wilson.
Rice defenders stop a Houston running back.
Donovan Smith runs for a touchdown against the Rice Owls.
D.J. Butler attempts to jump past a Rice defender.
Donovan Smith and his UH teammates celebrate with the Bayou Bucket trophy.
Zion Taylor celebrates with teammates after beating Rice University.
Hands grasp the Bayou Bucket Trophy.