Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
