Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant 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 selection,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about 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 tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
