Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant 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.
Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
