Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this procedure,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
Yormark also highlighted the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
