Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
