Albuquerque, NM -- (Sports Network) - Andy Dalton totaled 176 yards and two touchdowns and TCU's defense did the rest, as the Horned Frogs downed the New Mexico Lobos, 26-3, in Mountain West Conference play at University Stadium in Albuquerque.

Dalton had 56 yards and two scores on the ground and he threw for another 120 yards and an interception on 18-of-25 tosses, while the Frogs' (1-0, 1-0 MWC) defense forced three turnovers, recorded five sacks and limited New Mexico to just 186 total yards. TCU has now won its last six season openers.

Donovan Porterie and Brad Gruner both saw time under center for New Mexico (0-1, 0-1), but neither was effective. The duo combined for just 130 yards and two interceptions on 7-of-23 tosses. Chris Hernandez was the team's main target, hauling in three ball for 99 yards, including an 81-yard grab.

TCU got things started early, as Ross Evans connected on a 50-yard field just under five minutes into the game.

Midway through the first quarter, the Frogs added to their lead when Dalton scurried 11 yards for a score.

It took only 51 seconds for TCU to strike again, as Joseph Turner rumbled two yards for a touchdown. The extra-point, however, was off the mark and the Frogs led 16-0.

Following a scoreless second quarter, the Lobos finally got on the board with a James Aho 28-yard field goal early in the third period.

TCU countered with just over nine minutes left in the game, as Evans nailed a 39-yard field goal.

Less than two minutes later, Dalton scampered four yards for a score, giving the Frogs a 26-3 lead and the eventual victory.

TCU, which has now won four straight games against New Mexico, gained 171 yards on the ground compared to just 56 by the Lobos.