Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move unlikely 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.
