Donnie Avery had a once-in-a-lifetime performance Saturday in UH’s come-from-behind win against Rice. To say that the senior wide receiver torched the Owls’ secondary would be an understatement.
Avery was 60 yards away from setting a NCAA record, but had to settle for 346 receiving yards – a Conference USA and UH record.
The first offensive play was a great indicator of what was going to happen for Avery.
Sophomore quarterback Blake Joseph launched a pass from the 13 to Avery down field, passing up the Rice secondary for a 77-yard touchdown.
Avery got into the secondary again for a 67-yard touchdown reception on his third catch of the game. By the end of the first quarter, Avery tore apart Rice for 208 yards through the air with two touchdowns.
"I just have to keep getting better. I came with the mindset Tuesday that I was going to come out here and have a big day because I prepared Tuesday and Wednesday like it was game day so I just went through the motions relaxed," Avery said.
Avery also compiled 81 yards on kickoff returns, and finished with 427 all-purpose yards – also a C-USA and UH record.
"It’s crazy," senior running back Anthony Alridge said. "Donnie Avery… (had) over 340 yards receiving. I talked so much noise during the week about who has the best receiver between Houston and Rice and (Avery) proved me right today."
‘Quick Six’ churned out 205 yards on the ground with four touchdowns. Alridge’s touchdown in the fourth quarter put the Cougars up one – a lead Houston wouldn’t relinquish.
"I think that was probably the biggest one (touchdown) that brought their confidence down, Alridge said.
"We knew we could come back because we have a quick striking offense, like we’ve proven before."
Avery and Alridge, the 2-22 connection, combined for 552 of the 748 total offensive yards.
The 748 yards also set a record for the most yards by the Cougars since head coach Art Briles’ tenure.
