Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
