Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent 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 other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring 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 selection,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
Yormark also remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
