Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring 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,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Moves
Yormark further highlighted the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
