Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “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 significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
