Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable rebuke, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
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 harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally 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 significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing 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, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
