Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following 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 targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
