Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
