Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
