Texas Christian wanted to make a BCS-caliber statement on national television Friday.

By the end of the night, the fifth-ranked Horned Frogs were simply happy to leave Ford Field with a win, holding on for a 41-24 victory over Southern Methodist.

While it was a lackluster win for TCU (4-0), it also showcased how far SMU (2-2) has come under June Junes in three years.

Trailing 14-10 at halftime, SMU took the lead early in the third quarter. SMU defensive back Sterling Moore intercepted a pass, which set up a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Padron to receiver Bradley Haynes.

TCU responded after that, scoring 21 unanswered points to put the game out of reach. Jeremy Kerley returned the ensuing kickoff 83 yards, and TCU capped it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to Bart Johnson.

The Frogs scored two more touchdowns on short runs by Waymon James and Luke Shivers to take a 35-17 lead.

SMU didn’t go down easily. The Mustangs pulled to within 35-24 on a 29-yard touchdown run from running back Zach Line.

TCU sealed the victory with 7:26 left in the game as senior safety Tejay Johnson returned an interception 19 yards for a score.