Blue Bombers score 22 unanswered points vs. Roughriders to win Banjo Bowl

Matt Nichols earned a victory for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in his first start with the team Saturday.

While the Saskatchewan Roughriders struck first, Nichols - who passed for 283 yards while going 21-30 on attempts - and the Bombers provided the rest of the game's scoring to prevail 22-7 in the Banjo Bowl.

Brett Smith tossed an 11-yard pass to Robb Bagg for the game's first touchdown, giving the visiting team an early lead. But after Saskatchewan went ahead 7-0 off a single point on a second-quarter punt, Winnipeg took over and never looked back.

Lirim Hajrullahu kicked a pair of field goals and earned a single point on a missed attempt to tie the game, while Nichols passed to Julian Feoli-Gudino for a 37-yard touchdown near the end of the third.

Khalil Bass carried an interception back 60 yards and right into the end zone, sealing the win for the home team.

Smith went 13-28 for 114 yards in the loss.

Winnipeg improved to 4-7 on the season, while Saskatchewan dropped to 1-10.