It may come across as hypocritical but there is a difference between refusing schools due to academics (agriculture is just as important as research) and schools who invest, care and show up for their athletics and make them a priority vs those who don't.
I personally have nothing against UNC or the smaller schools in the Big Sky, I just would like to see both Montanas (and Idaho if possible) playing Wyoming, Air Force, Nevada etc. every year then being a $$ game for a random new rival every few seasons.