Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent 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 argued that the ACC harmed 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 substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “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 pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
