The University of Houston (UH) and Rice University have a long-standing football rivalry that dates back to 1948. The two teams, both based in Texas, have been competing for bragging rights and conference supremacy for decades. As two of the most prominent football programs in the state, their matchups are always highly anticipated and closely contested. In this analysis, we will delve into the history of the rivalry, examine the current state of both programs, and provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
The UH-Rice rivalry is often referred to as the "Battle of Houston" or the "Texas Cup." While the two schools are geographically close, their football teams have experienced varying degrees of success over the years. Rice has historically been considered the more established program, with a rich tradition of producing talented players and competitive teams. However, UH has made significant strides in recent years, challenging Rice's dominance and making the rivalry more evenly matched.
Historical Context and Rivalry Significance
The University of Houston and Rice University first clashed on the gridiron in 1948, with Rice emerging victorious 21-0. Since then, the two teams have faced each other 59 times, with Rice holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 29-27-3. The rivalry gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, as both teams experienced periods of success and became more evenly matched. The 1986 game, for example, saw UH defeat Rice 28-0, marking one of the largest margins of victory in the series.
In recent years, the rivalry has intensified, with both teams experiencing fluctuations in performance. UH's move to the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2013 has led to increased competition against Rice, which competes in Conference USA (CUSA). The two teams have met annually since 2015, with UH winning four of the last six matchups.
Current State of Both Programs
The University of Houston football program has experienced significant growth under head coach Dana Holgorsen, who took the reins in 2019. Holgorsen, a veteran coach with a proven track record, has brought a renewed sense of energy and competitiveness to the team. In his first two seasons, UH has shown marked improvement, posting a 15-9 record and competing for AAC championships.
Rice University's football program, led by head coach Mike Bloomgren, has also undergone significant changes in recent years. Bloomgren, who took over in 2019, has focused on rebuilding the team's roster and implementing a more aggressive defensive scheme. While Rice has faced challenges in recent seasons, the program remains committed to regaining its former glory and competing at a high level.
| Team | 2020-2022 Record |
|---|---|
| University of Houston | 15-9 |
| Rice University | 10-15 |
Key Points
- The University of Houston and Rice University have a long-standing football rivalry that dates back to 1948.
- Rice has historically been considered the more established program, but UH has made significant strides in recent years.
- The rivalry has intensified in recent years, with both teams experiencing fluctuations in performance.
- UH's move to the AAC in 2013 has led to increased competition against Rice, which competes in CUSA.
- The two teams have met annually since 2015, with UH winning four of the last six matchups.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the key strengths of the University of Houston football program is its high-powered offense, which has consistently ranked among the top 20 in the country in terms of total yards per game. Led by quarterback Clayton Tune, who has emerged as one of the top signal-callers in the AAC, UH's offense has the ability to score from anywhere on the field.
Rice University's football program, on the other hand, has traditionally been known for its stout defense, which has consistently ranked among the top 50 in the country in terms of total yards allowed per game. Led by defensive end Bradley Iweh, who has emerged as one of the top pass-rushers in CUSA, Rice's defense has the ability to shut down opposing offenses.
Coaching and Recruiting
One of the key factors that will determine the outcome of the UH-Rice rivalry in the coming years is coaching and recruiting. Both programs have made significant investments in their coaching staffs and recruiting efforts, with a focus on attracting top talent to their respective campuses.
UH's Dana Holgorsen has established himself as one of the top recruiters in the AAC, with a keen eye for talent and a proven track record of developing players. Rice's Mike Bloomgren has also made significant strides on the recruiting trail, with a focus on building a strong foundation of talent that will compete at a high level for years to come.
Forward-Looking Implications
As the UH-Rice rivalry continues to evolve, it is clear that both programs will be competing at a high level for years to come. With their geographic proximity and rich football traditions, the two teams are well-positioned to continue their long-standing rivalry and provide fans with exciting matchups.
The AAC and CUSA conferences will also play a significant role in shaping the rivalry, as both leagues continue to evolve and adapt to changing landscape of collegiate athletics. As conference affiliations and scheduling continue to shift, the UH-Rice rivalry is likely to remain a key fixture on the college football calendar.
What is the all-time record between UH and Rice?
+Rice leads the all-time series 29-27-3.
When did UH and Rice first begin playing each other?
+The two teams first met on the gridiron in 1948.
What conference do UH and Rice compete in?
+UH competes in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), while Rice competes in Conference USA (CUSA).