Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial 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 process,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally 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 notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
