Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’

In a notable criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Tension

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 bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director stated.

Miami ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks showing its support for Miami.

A Strong Rebuke

Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Speculative Moves

Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.

“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.

The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.