🔗 Share this article Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ In a public criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Controversy The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked. The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami. A Strong Response Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.” This public response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Historical Support and Speculative Rumors The commissioner also remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game. “His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term. The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.