Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’

During a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Dispute

Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.

The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.

An Egregious Response

Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” 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.”

This public criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.

Past Context and Speculative Moves

Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.

The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.