Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a strong criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful 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 hurt us in this procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
