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

During a notable criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.

The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.

A Strong Response

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

“My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Speculative Rumors

The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.

The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.