Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’

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

The Source of the Tension

The Fighting Irish maintains 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 bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.

“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked.

The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.

A Strong Reaction

Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“I think his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Context and Future Moves

The commissioner also highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.

Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.