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Rice University Athletics
Owls & Cougars Set To Settle Bayou Bucket
11/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 29, 2008
In what is the most-anticipated as well as one of the most crucial games in its 32-year history, Rice and Houston will battle for the Bayou Bucket at Rice Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 2:30.
| Rice-Houston game program (PDF file) |
The Owls (8-3/6-1) will be looking to reach nine wins for the first time since 1953 and can earn the right to host the Conference USA Championship game next Saturday with a win over the Cougars and a win by Marshall over Tulsa. Houston (7-4/6-1) can claim the C-USA West Division title outright and earn hosting right for the title game next week by defeating the Owls.
Rice brings a perfect 5-0 record at home, its longest win streak at Rice Stadium since the Owls won seven straight during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.
The game will feature two of the nation's top offenses, directed by two of the top three in the nation in total offense. Case Keenum leads the country with an average of 407.3 per game, while Chase Clement of Rice is third (363.1). Clement has already set C-USA career marks for both touchdown passes (91) and total touchdowns (114).
Prior to the game, the Owls will salute 22 players who are completing their careers at Rice on Saturday. The list includes 21 players who have seen action this year, in addition to former defensive end Dietrich Davis, whose career came to an end last year because of injuries. He has worked with the team this year as a coaching assistant and will be honored with the other members of his class. Here's the full list of players who will be introduced in ceremonies prior to the game:
#63 David Berken, Lake Arthur, LA
#90 Victor Brooks, Portland
#16 Chase Clement, San Antonio
#59 Ryan Craig, Houston
#21 Deitrich Davis, Brackettville
#81 Jarett Dillard. San Antonio
#7 Tommy Henderson, Wichita Falls
#36 Vernon James, Houston
#15 Brandon King, Moss Point, Miss
#49 Casey Marchbanks, Austin
#60 Jimmy Miller, Richmond
#91, Todd Mohr, Houston
#88 Will Moss, Bonham
#54 Scott Nimmons, Houston
#74 Chris Ptaszek, Tomball
#31, Brian Raines, Missouri City
#9 Ja'Corey Shepherd, Lufkin
#20, Bencil Smith, Houston
#19 Ahmad Sweeney, Missouri City
#29 Carl Taylor, Dallas
#67 Preston Thompson, El Paso
#73 Austin Wilkinson, The Woodlands
