Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “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.”
The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
