With the University of Houston Cougars making their move to the Big East there was some uncertainty as to whether or not UH and the Rice Owls would play the Bayou Bucket game that features the two local major universities.

The school signed a two-year deal to play at Reliant Stadium, which means this matchup will last at least trhough 2013, according to Sam Khan Jr. of the Houston Chronicle.

Bayou Bucket will continue in UH's first year in the Big East. Rice is moving non-conf. game with La. Tech to future date.

— Sam Khan Jr. (@skhanjr) April 20, 2012

UH and Rice signed a two-year deal to play the Bayou Bucket at Reliant Stadium. B/C UH to Big East, there was uncertainty about 2013 game

— Sam Khan Jr. (@skhanjr) April 20, 2012

Rice already had 4 non-conf. opponents but them moving La. Tech means series will continue at least through 2013.

— Sam Khan Jr. (@skhanjr) April 20, 2012

Here is what Rice athletic director Rick Greenspan said the Chronicle's Joseph Duarte:

"It has always been our goal to do everything that we can to maintain the Bayou Bucket series. It's obvious how much this game means to the players on both teams and we need to continue to make sure that future generations of Owls and Cougars will have the same opportunity to win the Bucket."

Read more about Cougars and Owls at SB Nation Houston.