HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Safety Mike James and defensive lineman Ahmad Charles returned fumbles for touchdowns as Houston overcame a non-existent offense in a 28-3 victory over crosstown rival Rice.

Houston managed just 203 total yards of offense but the Cougars still defeated their former Southwestern Conference rival in the first meeting between the teams since 1995, improving to 20-6 in the all-time series while claiming the Bayou Bucket.

The Owls took a 3-0 lead 6:45 into the first quarter on Scott Grimes' 52-yard field goal. But that was the only offense they could manage against the Cougars, totaling 209 yards.

Mike Green scored on a 16-yard run with 11 1/2 minutes before intermission to give the Cougars the lead and they extended the margin to 14-3 just over a minute later when James recovered a fumble in the end zone.

Jason McKinley, who completed 10-of-13 passes for 107 yards, pushed the lead to 21-3 with 10:18 left in the third when he hooked up with Orlando Iglesias from eight yards.

Green brought back his fumble 66 yards midway through the fourth quarter to close the scoring.

Rice, which runs the option, was led by Leroy Bradley, who ran for 94 yards on 11 carries.