For the record, I predicted Texas Tech’s victory against Oklahoma on this very blog. I must admit, though, I had no idea the Red Raiders would win as soundly as they did in a 41-13 rout Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Tech bounced back from a demoralizing loss at Oklahoma State last week to throttle an OU team coming off a 65-10 win over Texas A&M. The same A&M team, mind you, that came to Lubbock earlier this season and handed the Red Raiders a 52-30 defeat.

So how did it happen?

It happened because a group of seniors were determined to win their last home game, because the Tech defense put together one of its most complete performances of the season and because the offense was balanced, effecient and explosive.

Facing an Oklahoma defense that had established itself as one of the nation’s best this year, the Red Raiders rolled up 549 total yards. Baron Batch rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, and Alex Torres had a career day with 11 receptions for 163 yards and a score.

And let’s not forget quarterback Taylor Potts, who surely won some support from a fan base that’s been on his case all season. The junior from Abilene stayed calm and collected after an early interception, finishing 35-of-53 passing for 388 yards and two touchdowns.

Potts continued to check into the right plays at the line of scrimmage, whether he was calling for a run or a pass, and he played with much better rhythm. Potts made quick reads and delivered the ball with precision and authority, and receivers rewarded him.

A defense led by seniors Brandon Sharpe and Jamar Wall also deserves credit for limiting the Sooners to 13 points, 16 first downs, 48 rushing yards and 310 total yards. Wall and fellow cornerback LaRon both had interceptions, and Sharpe registered 2 1/2 sacks to up his team-leading total to 13. The dreadlocked defensive end from Georgia needs only one more sack to match Adell Duckett’s single-season school record.

It all added up to one of the Raiders’ most resounding wins in and up-and-down season, which made them bowl eligible for a Big 12-record 17th season in a row. It also made Mike Leach the winningest head coach in Tech history with his 83rd career victory, one more than predecessor Spike Dykes managed in 13-plus seasons.

Now Tech will take its act to the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, where it meets Baylor for a regular-season finale. If the Bears watched Saturday’s game in Lubbock, they should be shaking in their britches.