1. Cherish the Veterans

TCU fans have learned to appreciate Gary Patterson’s “win by one” mantra, so outscoring an opponent by 19 should be cause for celebration. As expected, historical rival SMU arrived for a dogfight. No one should be surprised that the Frogs needed a late score to seal the win. Thank goodness for the senior leadership of Trevone Boykin, Josh Doctson and Aaron Green, who stepped up all night in a game in which their extra effort was a requirement. That we expected them to do so, and that Boykin’s 454 yards passing — second-most in his career — seemed ordinary, speaks volumes about the talent level of the 2015 team.

2. Sad story

The meaning of an athlete’s being hurt extends beyond his being unavailable to play. Watching Ranthony Texada fall down and writhe in pain underscored just how unlucky the Frogs have been this year. (And how fortunate TCU was in 2014!) Football fortunes aside, no one wants to see a member of the Frog family suffer. In addition to causing frustration, the mounting defensive injuries are just plain sad. Texada stepped up as a freshman last year to play a pivotal role in the dream season. Best wishes to Ranthony as he recovers from the season-ending knee injury.

3. Penalties?

Purple and white and red and blue and … yellow? How did the Frogs wind up with nine flags resulting in 115 forfeited yards? Continuing to win, especially in conference games, will require better attention to detail.

4. Nice work, Frog fans

Way to bring the fight and create energy down the stretch, TCU Student Section. Amon G. Carter Stadium’s third-largest crowd in history showed up, stayed late and participated in the big win. The Frogs rewarded the faithful with a gritty effort and incredible athleticism on both sides of the ball. The “white out” worked well, and the late-game third down noise was as loud as can be. Make that fan effort a four-quarter affair, and we will be giving this team the support it deserves.

5. Salute to the Ponies

The conference championship years affixed to the east side concrete are a nice new touch to the stadium and an important reminder of the long and storied history of Horned Frog football. Until 1994, TCU and SMU shared similar stories of success and travail. The two programs’ paths diverged in the last 20 years, but no one should make the mistake of relegating SMU to football’s forgotten lands. Judging by Saturday’s gutsy performance, new coach Chad Morris righted the SMU ship in no time. Success is best when shared, and the future looks bright on the hilltop in Dallas.

TCU students made a difference in the second half, coach Gary Patterson said after a 56-37 victory against SMU. (Photos by Sharon Ellman)

Five stats that stood out

1. What a night for senior quarterback Trevone Boykin! He completed 21-of-30 for 454 yards and five touchdowns. He was only six yards off his record high of 460 last year against Iowa State, and it was the fourth-most in program history. Boykin’s five TD tosses marked just the sixth time that’s happened in 118 seasons of TCU football. Boykin’s done it twice. Can you name the other four? (Casey Pachall, 2011 vs. Boise State; Jeff Ballard, 2006 vs. San Diego State; Matt Vogler, 1990 vs. Houston; Steve Stamp, 1981 vs. UT-Arlington)

2. Wide receiver Josh Doctson was spectacular as well. With two touchdown grabs, he surged into second place all time with 18 scores, four behind leader Josh Boyce. He passed some historical greats — Cory Rodgers (2003-05) and Mike Renfro (1974-77), who each had 17 in their careers. Doctson’s 171 yards against SMU was his fourth 100-yard receiving day at TCU.

3. Speaking of offense, TCU rolled up 720 yards against SMU. That total has only been achieved four other times, two of which came last year under the Air Raid scheme of Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie. (785 vs. Texas Tech and 722 vs. Iowa State)

4. For all the concern about the injury-ravaged defense, the Frog D did hold SMU to 5-of-15 on third down attempts. That puts TCU foes at 11-of-46 for the season. That’s 23.9 percent!

5. Streaks up and down. Up: TCU extended its home winning streak to nine games. Also up: Boykin’s 61-yard touchdown throw to KaVontae Turpin gives the Frogs 16 straight games with a first-quarter TD, trailing only USC (17) for the national lead. Down: TCU’s NCAA-leading 27-game stretch of forcing a turnover ended against SMU. Also down: The Frogs’ seven-game streak of scoring first, which dated back to Nov. 15 against Kansas last year, came to an end when the Mustangs found the end zone on their opening drive.

TCU coach Gary Patterson prepares to lead his team onto the field against SMU. The Frogs won, 56-37. (Photos by Sharon Ellman)

Five tweets that told the tale

JOSH. DOCTSON. What a #Touchdown grab by the senior to extend @TCUFootball‘s lead to 49-37. http://t.co/e3k8Nkdoql

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 20, 2015

“One does not simply cover Josh Doctson” pic.twitter.com/8ut7bbZDU7 — Frogs O’ War (@FrogsOWar) September 20, 2015

What’s happening is TCU is now missing 7 starters on defense, and what’s out there can no longer stop Matt Davis & SMU.

— Gil LeBreton (@gilebreton) September 20, 2015

Crowd looking great at AGCS #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/1Jd2uTppdK — Killer Frogs (@Killer_Frogs) September 20, 2015

“Give ’em hell, @TCU!” Thank you, @bobschieffer! #FrogFam #BeatSMU pic.twitter.com/d240BBtBwF

— TCUAthletics (@TCU_Athletics) September 20, 2015