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

At a strong criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Tension

The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director said.

The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.

An Egregious Response

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

“In my view his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Future Rumors

Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.

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

Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.

Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.