Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
