Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.