Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
