Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant 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 selection,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong 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 unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
