Donovan Smith threw for 142 yards and accounted for three touchdowns, and Stacy Sneed rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown as Houston earned its first win under coach Willie Fritz, beating crosstown rival Rice 33-7.

Houston claimed its first win of the season similarly dominating Rice with a commanding 33-7 victory, befittingly returning the Bayou Bucket to the red and white.

The University of Houston Cougars put together a defensive masterpiece to earn coach Willie Fritz's first victory, a Bayou Bucket win over the rival Rice Owls.

Rice football’s quest for back-to-back Bayou Bucket titles fell short as the Owls lost to the University of Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium, 33-7, on Saturday evening.

Houston secured its first victory under new head coach Willie Fritz, defeating crosstown rival Rice 33-7 in a dominant Bayou Bucket performance on Saturday night. The Cougars, now 1-2, showcased a much-improved offense led by quarterback Donovan Smith,