Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly significant 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 Future Moves
Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
