Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’

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

The Source of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.

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

The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.

A Strong Response

Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“My opinion is that his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

This public response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.

Past Context and Speculative Rumors

Yormark further highlighted the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.

“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”

Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.

Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.