Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
