Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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 selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. 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
The commissioner also pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
