Written by Vic Thomas
The most nail-biting contest of Week 2 took place in Moscow, Idaho, where the 1-0 Black Bears hosted the winless Austin Oilers (0-1). In a game that went down to the wire, the Black Bears held on for a 124.3-123.6 victory, extending their record to 2-0, while the Oilers fell to 0-2 in heartbreaking fashion.
Oilers Show Glimpses but Fall Short
The Austin Oilers were led by strong performances from WRs Deebo Samuel and Nico Collins, both of whom scored 18+ points, with Collins pacing the team with 27.5 points. Despite these impressive outings, frustration continues to build around Ja’Marr Chase, the Oilers’ 1st-round pick, who has yet to meet expectations. Chase finished with just 7.5 points, leaving the Oilers offense lacking a true difference-maker.
Black Bears’ Resilience
The Moscow Black Bears started slow with WR Jaylen Waddle posting a quiet 8 points, but they bounced back with key contributions from RB Breece Hall, who exploded for 26.4 points, and Rookie TE Brock Bowers, who added 18.8 points. The Bears also got two touchdowns from WR Calvin Ridley, helping to counter the Oilers’ offensive attack in a game that saw multiple lead changes.
The Decisive Moment
In the end, it was a tightly contested battle, but the Black Bears narrowly escaped with the win, 124.3-123.6, much to the delight of their hometown fans. However, the victory came at a cost, as star RB Isiah Pacheco suffered a broken fibula during the game, leaving a significant hole in the Bears’ lineup moving forward.
Outlook for Week 3
Despite their 2-0 record, the Black Bears will need to address their backfield situation heading into Week 3, where they face the 0-2 Des Moines Raiders. The loss of Pacheco is sure to be a challenge, but Moscow will look to find reinforcements through waivers and their depth chart.
The Austin Oilers, meanwhile, are searching for their first win of the season as they prepare for a divisional showdown against the 0-2 Anchorage Commandos. The Oilers have shown potential but are under increasing pressure to turn things around, with some calling for improved coaching decisions. Fans are growing restless, and a divisional clash may be the perfect opportunity for redemption.
