Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They 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 said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. 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 Future Rumors
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
