You can spin it any way you want...opting for easy over hard is scared. There is no other way to frost that turd. And they got crucified from within for the lack of intestinal fortitude from within so they changed their mind.
They picked Fresno over a top 10 rivalry because Fresno was easier. They regret it now...but that doesn't change their original motivation. They were afraid of having another tough game on the schedule. It is what it was. Fear.