Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent 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. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does 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 selection,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
