Note the Denton connection as the last two North Texas coaches square off for the first time in their new jobs. Ross Hodge of course served as Grant McCasland's top assistant for six years with the Mean Green until taking over UNT in 2023 after McCasland moved to Lubbock. Both preached a patient, defense-oriented approach that got UNT an NIT title just before McCasland moved, and while Texas Tech has been more apt to run with McCasland, the Red Raiders are also comfy playing the sorts of grinders their coach appreciates. As for Hodge, a chip off the old block, as his Mountaineers are playing in the old North Texas style, as recent scorelines indicate (113, 116, 113 in succession). Play Texas Tech-West Virginia Under