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HOUSTON — Dean Connors rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns, and Houston broke open a close game in the fourth quarter to defeat rival Rice 35-9 on Saturday night at Rice Stadium in the Bayou Bucket matchup.
The Cougars (2-0) trailed 3-0 in the second quarter before Connors, who played three seasons at Rice before transferring across town, sprinted 54 yards for the go-ahead score. Quarterback Conner Weigman added a 9-yard touchdown run in the third to extend the lead to 14-3.
Houston’s defense then took control. Will James returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter, and Weigman followed with a 74-yard strike to Stephon Johnson to make it 28-9. Connors’ second touchdown, a 42-yarder with 3:40 left, capped the Cougars’ 21-point final period.
Weigman finished 15 of 22 for 188 yards and a touchdown, while Tanner Koziol caught six passes for 52 yards. The Cougars outgained Rice 392-228 and held the Owls to 51 passing yards.
Rice (1-1) managed its lone touchdown on Chase Jenkins’ 3-yard run with nine minutes remaining. Jenkins was efficient, completing 10 of 12 passes but for just 50 yards, and was sacked three times. Running backs Quinton Jackson and Daelen Alexander combined for 107 rushing yards.
Houston’s defense piled up eight tackles for loss and three sacks, led by Eddie Walls III and Corey Platt Jr. Latrell McCutchin Sr. recorded 11 tackles.
The victory gave Houston its second straight win in the Bayou Bucket series and preserved its perfect record under head coach Willie Fritz.