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

In a notable rebuke, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.

“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.

The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.

An Egregious Response

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

“In my view his conduct 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.”

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

Historical Context and Speculative Moves

Yormark also remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.

The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.