Lavell managed to find a way to win impressively while still being very respected. It's possible...and part of that was the aw shucks attitude he presented. If Bronco were to use terms like, "we were very fortunate tonight to have a few things go our way and we just rode the wave. Opponent X is a much better team than the score might indicate" he could get away with it too.
He already has a reputation for integrity. He's well liked in the coaching community. And of course on the sly he can tell the other coach, "sorry we kept the dogs in, when you are in our shoes you have to win with style or you don't get credit." He has the reputation earned that other coaches would understand that. At least most...