CBS College Sports and Conference USA announced that the 32nd annual battle for the Bayou Bucket will be seen by viewers across the country. Both Rice and Houston are in a three-way tie at 5-1 with Tulsa in the C-USA West Division.

After an open date last Saturday, the Owls return to action this Saturday to face Marshall at Rice Stadium. Rice, 7-3, possesses the most prolific scoring duo in NCAA history in senior quarterback Chase Clement and senior wide receiver Jarrett Dillard (48 career touchdowns) as well as this year's  FBS leader in receptions in versatile sophomore James Casey (85).

Houston, 6-4 overall and 5-1 in C-USA is preparing to host UTEP this Saturday at Robertson Stadium. The Cougars' explosive offense is led by sophomore quarterback Case Keenum, who earned the Walter Camp Foundation National Player of the Week honors after tying the C-USA record with six touchdown passes and running for another in the Cougars 70-30 rout over No. 24 ranked Tulsa.

Keenum is currently fourth in the FBS in touchdown passes with 35. Both schools, separated by just five miles, play annually for the Bayou Bucket Trophy.

The Cougars have won three straight meetings between the teams and lead the overall series 25-9. Houston won last year's contest 56-48, in the highest scoring game in Bayou Bucket history.