Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
