Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source 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 hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. 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 Future Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
