Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful 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 hurt us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
