Rice Owls NCAA Football News

The Cougars had only one option on Saturday night. To advance to the C-USA title game, the Cougars had to defeat Rice.

Rice's Tyler Smith, right, finds it impossible to get past Houston's Brandon Brinkley in Saturday's 73-14 rout by UH.

In the last five games, junior defensive end Cheta Ozougwu recorded 33 of his tackles and 8.5 of his tackles for losses.

David Bailiff and Kevin Sumlin reside in the same neighborhood and talk at least once a week.

Rice coach David Bailiff says he's bringing a confident bunch to Robertson Stadium for Saturday's Bayou Bucket game against Houston Share Share The Houston Cougars average nearly 575 yards and a little more than 42 points per game, all of which supports the notion that the nation's most prolific offense resides at the other end of Main Street.

Last meeting: 2008, Rice 56-42. What's At Stake At 5-2 in Conference USA play Houston needs a victory to win the West division and qualify for the championship game.

The UCF football team did something last Saturday it hadna t done in 22 tries; beat a ranked team.

Houston Cougars quarterback Case Keenum is on the Conference USA Player of the Week roll call for the sixth time this season.

UTEP coach Mike Price has been busy on the phones and on the computer this week, contacting everyone of importance in a quest to get Donald Buckram some postseason recognition.

Charles Ross rushed for three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter, and Rice took advantage of six turnovers in a 30-29 come-from-behind victory over Texas-El Paso on Saturday.

Rice linebacker Justin Hill blocks Tulane kicker Ross Thevenot's punt in the third quarter Nov.

The "College Gameday" crew won't be parked outside of Rice Stadium today. The Owls are 1-9, UTEP is 3-7 and on the national landscape, this game doesn't rate.

Patrick Randolph will remember Toren Dixon's hair. Today is the last time Dixon will play at Rice Stadium.

The sun shined a little brighter over the Rice campus this week. "It's amazing how good my coffee tasted Sunday," coach David Bailiff said.

June Jones does not bring up SMU's dreadful history to his players. He figures they're fully aware of everything that has gone wrong the past two decades.

In two games this month, UTEP junior running back Donald Buckram has not only carried 67 times for 475 yards and four touchdowns but also caught eight passes for 175 yards and another two scores.

Part of the job is not rooting for teams. You have to remain objective. With that said, I couldn't help but feel happy for the Owls, who don't have to answer questions about or contemplate a winless season any longer.

Rice scored on a pair of quick-strike possessions to take a 21-14 lead over Tulane heading into the fourth quarter.

Athletic director Steve Orsini, clad in his standard red blazer, slapped backs and hugged with zeal.

Line: Rice by 2 1/2. Series Record: Rice leads 16-14-1. Last meeting: 2008, Rice 42-17. Rice was close to finally notching a victory last week against SMU.