Ruffin McNeill, Texas Tech’s interim head coach, said this was the most difficult week of his life after watching his boss, Mike Leach, get suspended and then fired.

Saturday, however, was probably one of the best night’s of his life as McNeill led the Red Raiders to a daring 41-31 victory over Michigan State in the Valero Alamo Bowl, making a strong case to take his former boss’ place full-time.

“I am ready when they are,” said McNeill, when asked about his impending job interview on Monday. “I think my body of work speaks for itself, not just my 10 years here but my entire career.”

But his coaching performance, which included a few gutsy fourth-quarter decisions, may have delivered his boldest statement. McNeill, the Texas Tech defensive coordinator, made the decision to go with QB Steven Sheffield over starter Taylor Potts in the fourth quarter.

Then on a critical fourth-quarter drive to seal the game, McNeill went for it twice on fourth down and made both to set up running back Baron Batch’s game-icing 13-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach with 2:08 remaining.

With inside receivers coach Lincoln Riley calling the offensive plays, the Red Raiders (9-4) didn’t seem to miss a beat without Leach on the sidelines. They put up 580 yards of offense with 472 yards and three touchdowns coming through the air against the Spartans.

But the most Leach-type move came late in the fourth quarter when the decision was made to leave Potts on the sidelines and insert Sheffield with Tech trailing 31-27.

Sheffield, who had been a crowd favorite after leading Tech to some improbable wins this season, immediately rallied the Raiders. He marched the offense down the field before firing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Detron Lewis to pull the Raiders ahead 34-31 with 5:03 remaining in the game.

Then, McNeill’s defense followed with a huge interception of a Kirk Cousins pass to return the ball to the Raiders with 4:19 remaining. Tech made good with the touchdown run by Batch to put a positive spin on a rather turbulent week.