Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark said. “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 pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.