Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous 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 said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
