The Houston Cougars offense regularly produces video game-like statistics. And while it took some time before the offense got in gear, once it did, it was as if the Cougars were operating with a few cheat codes.

With record-breaking quarterback Case Keenum at the controls, the Cougars erased an early 10-point deficit to explode for a 73-34 win over the crosstown rival Rice Owls to claim the Bayou Bucket and remain undefeated in front of 32,112 on Thursday at Robertson Stadium.

The win helps the No. 18 Cougars (8-0, 4-0 Conference USA) tie their best start in school history, which they also achieved in 1990 and 1979. They take the bucket back from Rice (2-6, 1-4), who won it with a 34-31 victory last October at Rice Stadium. UH now leads the all-time series 27-11.

Keenum, who toppled the NCAA career record for total offense on Saturday, shattered another record on Thursday. With nine touchdown passes, Keenum passed former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell to become the Football Bowl Subdivision's all-time touchdown pass leader. Keenum, who was 24-of-37 passing, threw for 534 yards and had one interception. Keenum now has 139 career touchdown tosses to Harrell's 134.

"You see our team jumping around with him at the end," UH coach Kevin Sumlin said. "Our guys understand that, they know that and I think they appreciate where they are right now and what's at stake."

The sixth-year senior wasn't the only one to rewrite some record books on Thursday. UH senior receiver Tyron Carrier began the game by returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, tying former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller's all-time record (seven) in the process.

Despite the early special teams points, Keenum and the Cougars struggled early as heavy rain doused the field and the inspired Owls came out with plenty of fervor and had little trouble moving the ball themselves.

Rice found much of its early success with the ground game, using Turner Petersen (23 carries, 140 yards) in the "Wild Owl" formation. Running back Tyler Smith (13 carries, 170 yards) helped Rice compiled 359 rushing yards on the night.

Rice answered Carrier's touchdown with 10 straight points; a Chris Boswell 51-yard field goal and a 1-yard Tyler Smith touchdown run moments after a UH fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Keenum fumbled while attempting a pass on the next drive, which Rice linebacker Cameron Nwosu returned 12 yards for a touchdown and a 17-7 lead.

The Cougars offense got going after that as Keenum found Patrick Edwards for a 57-yard touchdown as the first quarter ended. It was the first of five Edwards' touchdown catches on the night.

Edwards wreaked havoc on the Owls' secondary with his speed, catching seven passes for 318 yards, a career high and his five scoring receptions tied the school single-game record. UH repeatedly attacked Rice downfield as the Owls blitzed and dared the Cougars to beat them over the top while playing man coverage.

"They ran man the whole game," Carrier said. "What can you do but throw the ball deep? You've got some guys on this team that are pretty fast."

After a Boswell 40-yard field goal to give Rice a 20-14 lead with 11:20 to go in the first half, UH began to roll. The Cougars scored 24 points in the final 10 minutes of the quarter for a 38-20 halftime lead and scored 14 more to start the second half to take a commanding 52-20 lead.

"I feel like we're a pretty special team," Keenum said. "Our mindset has been the same since day one; hopefully we're changing other people's minds about us."

sam.khan@chron.com

twitter.com/skhanjr

---

QUICK HITS

---UH quarterback Case Keenum moved into first place on the NCAA all-time career touchdown passes list. With nine touchdown passes on Thursday, he now has 139 in his career ahead of Graham Harrell (134).

---UH receiver/return specialist Tyron Carrier tied the NCAA career record for kickoff returns for a touchdown. Carrier now has seven, matching former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller's mark.

---UH linebacker Marcus McGraw became the school's all-time leader in career assisted tackles, breaking Wade Phillips record of 228. With six assists on Thursday, McGraw now has 234 in his career.

---UH receiver Tyron Carrier broke the school's record for career receptions, previously held by Vincent Marshall (272). With seven catches on Thursday, Carrier now has 277 in his career.

---UH receiver Patrick Edwards set a new career high in single game receiving yards with 318. He also tied the single-game school record for touchdown catches (five) and the career record for touchdown catches (34).