Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source 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 opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
