The Houston Cougars look to avoid an 0-3 start to their season as they face rivals Rice Owls in an important matchup. Houston has suffered defeats against UNLV and Oklahoma, while Rice bounced back from a season-opening loss with a convincing win over Texas Southern. Quarterback Donovan Smith is performing well for the Cougars, completing 67.2% of his passes, while Rice's running back Dean Connors leads his team with 165 rushing yards and four touchdowns so far. This showdown will be critical for both teams as they try to establish momentum early in the season.

By the Numbers
  • Houston begins the game with a 0-2 record after losses to UNLV and Oklahoma.
  • Rice enters with a 1-1 record, having recently won 69-7 against Texas Southern.
State of Play
  • The game is set to take place at TDECU Stadium in Houston at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 14.
  • Houston fans can listen to the game on SiriusXM channel 199, while Rice fans will tune in on channel 388.
What's Next

Following this game, Houston will face tough opponents including Cincinnati and Iowa State, making this an essential win for their season's trajectory. Rice will also continue to build its momentum with matchups against Army and Charlotte on the horizon.

Bottom Line

This rivalry game is crucial for both teams; a win for Houston is necessary to regain confidence and avoid a disastrous start, while Rice aims to continue its winning streak and solidify its season. The outcome could significantly influence both teams' performance throughout the remainder of the season.