The Rice Owls completed their first city sweep in football after a convincing 59-7 victory over Texas Southern University at Rice Stadium Sept. 16, one week after topping the University of Houston.
With the impressive display, Rice improved its record to 2-1 on the young season.
The win came on Celebrate Houston Day as Rice and TSU officials commemorated a close relationship as universities despite being crosstown sports rivals.
“It’s always great playing a crosstown rival, but TSU has had such a close relationship with us and there is a long history between Rice and TSU,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said prior to kickoff. “It’s a special relationship.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner conducted the pregame coin toss, wearing a shirt that featured both Rice and TSU logos.
During the game, Rice Athletics recognized representatives of The Lawson Academy. Founded by Houston Civil Rights pioneer the Rev. William A. Lawson and his wife Audrey Lawson, this tuition-free charter school serves middle school and pre-K students from Houston and surrounding communities.
With help from supporters of DonorsChoose, an educational nonprofit organization, Rice presented a gift card award to the academy for $1,000.
A special group of campus neighbors was also recognized during the game, including Rice Engineering graduate and Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock ‘91, Rice Business graduate and president of the Hermann Park Conservancy Doreen Stoller ‘91 and representatives of the University Place Super Neighborhood, Midtown Super Neighborhood and Rice Village.
For a full game recap, visit riceowls.com or click here.
