Much of the attention this season in the Mountain West has been on fifth-ranked Boise State, not on TCU, who announced its decision to leave for the Big 12 last week. But Saturday, the Frogs flexed their muscles and reminded everyone who won the conference last season.

The TCU defense held New Mexico to just 85 yards of total offense and nine different Frogs scored touchdowns as TCU rolled over the Lobos 69-0 Saturday afternoon at Amon Carter Stadium.

The win over New Mexico (0-7, 0-2) was TCU’s first shutout of the season and improved their record to 5-2 on the season and 3-0 in Mountain West Conference play. The Frogs’ 69 points scored Saturday was a TCU single-game record.

TCU safety Johnny Fobbs forced two first quarter fumbles to set up the Frogs’ offense inside New Mexico territory and TCU took advantage of it, scoring two touchdowns within the game’s first seven minutes.

Fobbs forced a fumble on New Mexico’s first play from scrimmage to give TCU the ball on the Lobos’ 22-yard line. Four plays later, backup quarterback Matt Brown found the endzone on a four yard run to put the Frogs up a touchdown.

Kicker Ross Evans nailed the extra point, giving TCU the early 7-0 lead and Evans the Mountain West all-time scoring record.

Fobbs forced another fumble on the Lobos’ next possession, this time setting up the TCU offense on the New Mexico 24-yard line. Five plays later, fullback Luke Shivers capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run.

From there, the Frogs wouldn’t look back.

TCU quarterback Casey Pachall hooked up with tight end Logan Brock for a six-yard touchdown toss later in the quarter and found receiver Skye Dawson for a 20-yard score in the second quarter to give TCU a commanding 41-0 lead heading into halftime.

Antoine Hicks and Waymon James both had two-yard touchdown runs in the second quarter but the story of the first half may have been Pachall’s efficiency.

The sophomore completed 13 of 17 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns in the half and would finish the games with those numbers after playing only one series in the third quarter.

Pachall said he would’ve liked to throw a few more passes but he also he doesn’t getting a break every once in a while.

“I felt good,” Pachall said. “I would’ve liked to throw a little more just because I like throwing the ball but also when the running game is on point like that you can’t stray away from it. Whatever it takes to win, I’m all for it.  Anytime I can get Matt (Brown) in and get a break is fine by me.”

Pachall said he was happy the offense was able to maintain their tempo throughout the game.

“We’re all happy the way our tempo was and the way we were able to keep the momentum and not slow down at all,” Pachall said.

Ed Wesley led the Frogs on the ground, rushing for 74 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

Brown, replaced Pachall in the second half, finished the game 2-of-4 for 76 yards. The redshirt freshman also added 52 yards on the ground and rushed for another score in the fourth quarter.

Redshirt freshman Antonio Graves recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown. Freshman Deryck Gildon was credited with the block.

TCU quarterback Rick Settle had a nine-yard touchdown run in fourth quarter for his first career score.

With the score getting out of hand, most of TCU’s backups saw a significant amount of playing time. Patterson said getting the second-stringers playing time is crucial when it comes to preparing for the future.

“If you’re going to keep building your program at some point and time, your twos are going to become your ones,” Patterson said. “They got to learn the tempo of how they’re supposed to play when they come in the ball game. That’s what great programs do.”

Patterson said he didn’t intend to let the score get as high as it did in the fourth quarter.

“I feel bad for (New Mexico),” Patterson said. “In 30 years, I’ve been on both ends of this deal so nobody wins.”

TCU will be back in action Friday when they play BYU at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.