Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a public statement, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks indicating 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.
“I think his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark further remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
