Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to 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 undermine us in this procedure,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark further highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
