Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish 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 opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer 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 selection,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark also highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.