Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “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 criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
