Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish 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 make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further remarked the support 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,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
