Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
