Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments about 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 all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in 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 unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
