Bayou Bucket brings more than just football to Houston

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - It's a long standing rivalry and on Saturday, September 16, the University of Houston and Rice University will take the field for the Bayou Bucket.

This matchup is more than just a game for both teams, though.

TDECU Stadium will be packed as both teams are playing their first football game in Houston since Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Texas coast.

"We had players whose families, grandparents have lost their homes in this flood so it's reached across both universities and both football programs," says Hunter Yurachek, Vice President of Athletics at UH.

However, for a few hours on Saturday the focus won't be on floods, but football.

"It's a big deal you know every rivalry game is a big deal and that's what college football is all about in my mind," says Kyle Allen, Quarterback for the Cougars.

"Our teams know each other. They're friends with a lot of guys on the team and I think that just enhances the rivalry and enhances wanting to have the bucket in the locker room," says David Bailiff, Head Football Coach for Rice.

The Bayou Bucket trophy now up for grabs, as are bragging rights, after four years of no play between the two Houston schools.

"It's going to be a great community event. We're doing fundraising for the HISD schools for school supplies that were washed away in the flood," says Yurachek.

Both teams coming off of wins heading into Saturday's game. Both teams still waiting to play their first game in the city torn to pieces by Harvey.

The city "Houston" will be the name worn on all 99 Jersey's by the Cougars, representing a community sewn together by such tragedy.

"It's not about the last names on the jersey's this week. It's about our community and the city of Houston and being Houston's hometown team, we are going to represent the city of Houston both on the front and back of our jerseys," says Yurachek.

Tickets are still available for the game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 16.