Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant 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 stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
