Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
