Dean Connors, Conner Weigman Lead Coogs Past Rice: Live Game Updates for Houston Cougars vs. Rice Owls
In this story:
Rivalry weekend comes a little earlier in the college football season for the Houston Cougars and the Rice Owls, who are set to do battle from Rice Stadium in the 2025 edition of the Bayou Bucket Classic.
Houston had little issue with the Owls last year at TDECU Stadium, taking a comfortable 33-7 victory, which almost saw the Cougars shut out their rivals until a touchdown in the last minute of the fourth quarter saved the Owls from complete and utter embarrassment.
Now the two teams return to Rice, and this is not a Houston team that the Owls want to mess with, especially after their season opener last week against SFA.
Live Game Updates
Houston running back Dean Connors, who scored that touchdown for Rice during his tenure with the team, will now get a taste of how it feels from the Coogs side when he combats his former team tonight.
Connors led the Cougars in rushing yards during their season-opening victory over the Lumberjacks, taking 15 carries for 50 yards in the 27-0 shutout win.
The Owls didn't quite have it so easily last week, taking the fight to the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns that saw the team barely squeak by with a 14-12 win.
In recent history, Houston has dominated the Bayou Bucket Classic, winning eight of the last 10 matchups against the Owls. In that time, the Cougars have averaged over 40 points (40.8) in a rivalry game that has been known for being a high-scoring affair. The Owls, on the other hand, have averaged a little over 20 points (22.2) in that same time frame.
The 2025 Bayou Bucket Classic kicks off at 6:00 PM from Rice Stadium and be sure to check right back here for live updates as the action unfolds.
-----------------------------------------------
Live Updates
Rice wins the toss and defers to the second half. Houston will take the opening kick.
First Quarter
Nothing going for the Coogs offense early on, a three-and-out for Willie Fritz's team.
change of possession
This looks to be a defensive affair early, as Rice also goes three-and-out.
change of possession
Yet another three-and-out for the Houston team.
change of possession
And the Cougars again force a three-and-out from the Owls, both teams looking for their first first down of the contest.
change of possession
Stacy Sneed's 13-yard run finally secures the Coogs their first first down of the contest, but Conner Weigman is sacked on a 4th and 4, forcing a turnover on downs.
change of possession
The Cougar defense still stands strong and forces another three-and-out from the Owls.
change of possession
Weigman finds Amare Thomas for an 18-yard gain, but nothing else comes offensively for Houston and they punt it away.
Second Quarter
Rice finally secures a first down after an 11-yard reception from Landon Ransom-Goelz, and after two more first downs, their drive stalls, and they settle for a 42-yard field goal from kicker Enock Gota.
Rice 3, Houston 0
change of possession
A 16-yard pass to Mekhi Mews is all the offense that Weigman and the Cougars can muster, and a punt is forced.
change of possession
The Owls go for it on 4th and 1 from Houston's 43-yard line, but D'Andre Hardemann, resulting in a fumble, and a the Coogs take over from their own 41-yard line.
change of possession
Another stalemate for the Houston offense, and they punt.
change of possession
Rice is again unable to move the chains, and they punt.
change of possession
Deep in their own territory, Weigman connects with Tanner Koziol for a 21-yard play, and then another connection between the two for four yards and then running back Dean Connors strikes against his former team, dashing the Owls for a 54-yard rushing touchdown. Ethan Sanchez's extra point is good.
Houston 7, Rice 3
change of possession
Rice bobbles a snap, but recovers it as the clock hits 0:00 on the first half.
Third Quarter
Rice can’t get anything done on offense, and they punt it away.
change of possession
Weigman almost loses a fumble, but makes up for it by hitting running back Stacy Sneed for a big gain and the first down. Dean Connors is slow to get up, which is definitely not what the Cougars need in their offensive game plan, but Weigman follows up by making up for his blunder by scrambling for a touchdown.
Houston 14, Rice 3
change of possession
The Coogs get a sack on third and forever to force a Rice punt.
change of possession
The Cougars are able to drive down thanks to some big plays by Conner Weigman, and it leads to a 47-yard field goal attempt from Ethan Sanchez, but it is no good.
Fourth Quarter
The Rice Owls begin the final quarter of play by throwing a pass that is tipped by Latreveon McCutchin and intercepted by corner Will James for the pick-six.
Houston 21, Rice 3
change of possession
The Owls stay in the game with a rushing touchdown by quarterback Chase Jenkins, their first end zone trip of the game. The team goes for a two-point conversion, but the pass is dropped in the back of the end zone.
Houston 21, Rice 9
change of possession
Two plays made up the next drive for Houston, a one-yard run by Connors, and a 74-yard passing touchdown from Weigman to wide receiver Stephon Johnson to extend the Coogs' lead.
Houston 28, Rice 9
change of possession
The Cougars put the game even further out of reach by sacking Chase Jenkins and forcing a turnover on downs.
change of possession
Dean Connors continues to give it to his former school, breaking free for a 42-yard rushing score, his second end zone trip of the game.
Houston 35, Rice 9
change of possession
Rice is running low on gas, as they can only muster a three-and-out.
change of possession
The Cougars kneel out the clock to win their 10th of the last 11 Bayou Buckets.
FINAL: Houston Cougars 35, Rice Owls 9
