The Rice Owls made the shortest trek in college football Saturday, making the roughly 5-mile trek across town. The Owls, fresh off a stunning victory over Louisiana, had their eyes on one prize — the Bayou Bucket.
The rivalry trophy which originated in 1974 has been a possession of the Houston Cougars for over a decade. Although a feisty Rice squad remained within striking distance throughout the game, the Cougars emerged in a back-and-forth contest, 34-27, by means of its heralded defensive line.
In the final four minutes of the game, Houston defensive end D’Anthony Jones proved to be the separation between the rivalry.