Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In 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).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains 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 opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 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 unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
