Morgantown, W.Va. ? Rich Rodriguez may try to prove his claim he was fraudulently induced to sign a coaching contract with West Virginia that included a $4 million buyout clause he now refuses to pay.

Monongalia County Circuit Judge Robert Stone granted key victories Thursday for both sides in a two-hour pretrial hearing. Rodriguez was not present at the hearing.

Rodriguez resigned in December after seven seasons with the Mountaineers to take the coaching job at Michigan, where he’s also agreed to a $4 million buyout, and took some of his coaches and recruits with him.

A key motion by WVU was granted, involving the request for any documents related to Rodriguez’ hiring and contract discussions with Michigan.

A motion to expedite the trial was denied.