Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
