Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion 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 selection,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
The commissioner also highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
