Collaros throws 5 TDs, Ticats rout reeling 'Riders

Zach Collaros and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats wrapped the CFL's wipeout weekend by throttling the Saskatchewan Roughriders 53-7 for their first home win.

Collaros went 23-of-30 for 381 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes, essentially picking up where he left off in his belated season debut last week in Vancouver. The 27-year-old quarterback missed the first six games while completing his rehab after tearing his ACL last September, before leading a comeback in a seven-point loss to the B.C. Lions on Aug. 12.

All five Hamilton starting receivers got in the end zone as the Tiger-Cats (4-4) pulled level with archrival Toronto Argonauts for second in the East Division, one point behind the Ottawa RedBlacks (4-3-1). Saskatchewan (1-7) allowed 40-plus points for the third time already this season. It was also the second time in coach-GM Chris Jones' tenure that they have lost by more than 35 points while failing to score a touchdown.

Hamilton gobbled up six takeaways, including four interceptions from Roughriders QB Darian Durant. Durant's pick-free streak of 323 passes was snapped by defensive back Emanuel Davis in the opening quarter.

All-star defensive end John Chick had two sacks and a forced fumble in his first game against Saskatchewan, where he spent six seasons and was part of two Grey Cup championships. Chick was let go by Saskatchewan last winter, shortly after Jones' arrival.

Veteran slotback Chad Owens scored two touchdowns. Collaros also delivered scoring strikes to Brandon Banks, Andy Fantuz, and Terrence Toliver. Backup QB Jeremiah Masoli and Luke Tasker also connected on a touchdown in the final minute. Tolliver's five receptions for a game-high 138 yards included two long gainers that took Hamilton inside the 10-yard line.

Fantuz's 37-yard score in the first quarter was a microcosm of how the season has gone for the Roughriders. Collaros airmailed a pass over intended receiver Tasker's head, but defensive back Kacy Rodgers tipped the ball slightly upward. Fantuz made the catch and ran down the sideline, warding off defensive back Ed Gainey with a stiff arm.

In the second quarter, Banks, in a departure from his usual role as a return specialist, split Saskatchewan's secondary for a 58-yard TD catch. Collaros also ran a perfect one-minute drill. Tolliver outfought Saskatchewan's Tevaughn Campbell on a jump ball for a 45-yard gain to the Roughriders' five-yard line. With three seconds left in the half, Collaros found Owens, his fourth read, for the TD.

The scoreline could have been worse for Saskatchewan. Hamilton's Brett Maher was 3-of-3 on field goals, but the longest was 22 yards.

Durant was 18-of-28 for 235 yards. Slotback Caleb Holley led the Roughriders with five receptions for 80 yards. Rookie kicker Tyler Crapigna was 2-of-2 on field goals.

Saskatchewan is 6-of-18 in the red zone this season, last in the league.

The average winning margin in the league this week was 30.25 points. Hamilton was the only home team to prevail.