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Clutch defensive playmaking wins Houston a back-and-forth Bayou Bucket battle over Rice, 34-27

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.