Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
Yormark further highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
