Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his 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. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead 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 process,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
