He is in a room full of 12-15 Utah alumni (probably not more than that in the KC area). He brings up that he is asked about doing BYU a FAVOR. Of course he is going to say he won't do BYU any FAVORS. Harumph! Harumph! This is the only correct answer in this situation.
He didn't say he won't schedule BYU.
I also don't doubt that the dates were fluid for the basketball game. Those dates change all the time. Why not make it sound like you were pushing BYU around? Harumph! Harumph!