Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
