Willie Fritz came to Houston ready to build a solid football program. The longtime head coach needing a major opportunity and found that after being at Tulane. His focus is on more than just the scoreboard to guide his team to success.

Donovan Smith threw for 142 yards and accounted for three touchdowns, and Stacy Sneed rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown as Houston earned its first win under coach Willie Fritz, beating crosstown rival Rice 33-7.

Stacy Sneed rushed for 82 yards on seven carries and a long touchdown and Houston's defense held visiting Rice to 159 total yards in a 33-7 win in the annual

The University of Houston Cougars put together a defensive masterpiece to earn coach Willie Fritz's first victory, a Bayou Bucket win over the rival Rice Owls.

Houston secured its first victory under new head coach Willie Fritz, defeating crosstown rival Rice 33-7 in a dominant Bayou Bucket performance on Saturday night. The Cougars, now 1-2, showcased a much-improved offense led by quarterback Donovan Smith,