SAN ANTONIO -- Texas Tech interim head coach Ruffin McNeill left little doubt that he would like to be considered as the Red Raiders' permanent replacement for Mike Leach.

"Yes, I'm very interested in the job. Make that a double-yes with some exclamation marks," said McNeill, who will serve as a head football coach for the first time in a 24-season college coaching career Saturday night in the Valero Alamo Bowl against Michigan State.

McNeill is listed among the early favorites for the job, along with Baylor coach Art Briles, former Auburn and Mississippi coach Tommy Tuberville and Arizona offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes.

The game will serve as an audition of sorts for McNeill showing Tech administrators he can handle the job.

"I've felt that my whole career," McNeill said. "My dad taught me when I first got into coaching, every time you step on the field, your product is your resume. I've tried to make sure I adhere to that during my entire time of coaching. I want to make sure my product is my resume."

McNeill becomes the third interim coach to serve in the history of the Alamo Bowl. Bo Pelini led Nebraska to a 17-3 victory over Michigan State in the 2003 game after Frank Solich was fired.

Texas A&M interim coach Gary Darnell wasn't quite as fortunate, losing a 24-17 game to Penn State in the 2007 game after Dennis Franchione was fired.