Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’

At a public criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Dispute

The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.

The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.

A Strong Rebuke

Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

The pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.

Historical Context and Future Moves

Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided 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,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”

Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.

The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.