Houston, TX
Sep 14, 2024
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In a dominant display, the Houston Cougars secured their first win under new Head Coach Willie Fritz, thrashing the Rice Owls 33-7 in the Bayou Bucket rivalry at TDECU Stadium. Houston set the tone early with two explosive touchdowns in the first quarter and never looked back, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the game. The Cougars' defense was impenetrable, stifling the Owls' offense to just 159 total yards and only allowing a single touchdown in the final minutes of the matchup.
Senior quarterback Donovan Smith was the linchpin of Houston's offensive brilliance, completing 12 of 21 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown, while also adding two rushing touchdowns. Stacy Sneed and Mekhi Mews contributed explosive plays in the first quarter, with Sneed sprinting for a 65-yard rushing touchdown and Mews returning a punt 75 yards for another score. Additionally, a crucial turnover recovery by Houston's Michael Batton set up a 44-yard touchdown pass to Stephon Johnson. Defensively, the Cougars showcased a relentless effort that included an interception by Jalen Garner leading to another score. This well-rounded team performance leaves Houston looking strong ahead of their Big 12 opener against Cincinnati.
Stacy Sneed (Houston Cougars)
Stacy Sneed broke free for an explosive 65-yard touchdown run, setting the early tone for Houston's offense and energizing the crowd at TDECU Stadium.
Mekhi Mews (Houston Cougars)
Mekhi Mews electrified the stadium with a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, giving the Cougars a 14-0 lead and putting Rice on their heels.
Stephon Johnson (Houston Cougars)
Donovan Smith connected with Stephon Johnson on a deep 44-yard touchdown pass following a Rice punt error, extending Houston's lead to 20-0.
Jalen Garner (Houston Cougars)
Jalen Garner intercepted an E.J. Warner pass and returned it to the Rice 1-yard line, setting up a short touchdown plunge by Donovan Smith on the next play.
Donovan Smith (Houston Cougars)
Donovan Smith showcased his dual-threat ability by breaking through the defense for a 37-yard rushing touchdown, cementing Houston's commanding lead.
Dean Connors (Rice Owls)
Dean Connors found the end zone with a 4-yard run, providing Rice's only score of the game late in the fourth quarter.
Michael Batton (Houston Cougars)
Michael Batton recovered a muffed Rice punt, giving Houston excellent field position and leading to a quick 44-yard touchdown pass from Donovan Smith to Stephon Johnson.
Donovan Smith (Houston Cougars, QB)
Smith orchestrated Houston's offense with precision, accumulating 142 passing yards and a touchdown while adding two crucial rushing touchdowns. His leadership and versatility were key components in Houston's victory.
Stacy Sneed (Houston Cougars, RB)
Sneed demonstrated his explosive capabilities by rushing for 82 yards on just 7 carries, highlighted by a 65-yard touchdown run that set the pace early for the Cougars.
Mekhi Mews (Houston Cougars, WR)
Mews' exceptional performance on special teams, particularly his 75-yard punt return touchdown, provided a significant momentum boost and established an early lead for Houston.
Michael Batton (Houston Cougars, LB)
Batton played an instrumental role on defense and special teams, notably recovering a muffed punt by Rice, which led directly to a Houston touchdown, amplifying the team's lead.
Dean Connors (Rice Owls, RB)
Connors was the standout for Rice, producing 32 rushing yards and scoring the Owls' lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter to avoid a shutout.
Jalen Garner (Houston Cougars, LB)
Garner's impactful interception return to the Rice 1-yard line was a critical defensive play, setting up a Houston touchdown and cementing their control over the game.
University of Houston Athletics
Rice Football smothered in Bayou Bucket loss to Houston
Rice University
Rice Owls vs. Houston Cougars Live Score and Stats - September 14, 2024 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
UH Cougars football takes Bayou Bucket against Rice Owls
Houston Cougars College Football News - CougarsDen
Rice Owls
0
0
0
7
7
Houston Texans
14
6
6
7
33
